Reflections | Cremation was frowned upon in ancient China, so why was it so widespread?
- Posted on April 11, 2026
- By South China Morning Post
- 10 Views
In brief
During China's Song dynasty, cremation emerged as a widespread funeral practice despite cultural disapproval and philosophical opposition. Economic pressures and practical necessities drove families to adopt this method, challenging traditional burial customs. This historical paradox reveals how socioeconomic constraints shaped funeral practices, transforming a practice once deemed uncivilized into a pragmatic solution for ordinary people navigating financial realities.
Reflections | Cremation was frowned upon in ancient China, so why was it so widespread?
Though seen as barbaric, cremation was a common, practical choice for families in China’s Song dynasty that reflected their economic reality.
