Ancestral worship is a ritual for many Chinese families with the belief that family members continue to live on after they died, in a life similar to the one on earth. It is believed that they can influence the people on earth and are sometimes asked for favors and assistance. The traditions of worshipping the ancestors builds family loyalty and respect. An altar is set up after they die, usually in the home, where offerings are given. These are to prepare them for the afterlife. They include everyday necessities such as a toothbrush and their favorite foods, mostly vegetables and fruits. Spirit money is symbolic pieces of paper that are also left. The home altar is eventually taken down and replaced with a wooden tablet with names and dates inscribed where the family member is believed to live. Daily offerings continue. Ancestor worship can also be a big part of weddings.
Chinese ancestor worship applies to Joy Luck Club in several ways. Through every speaker you can tell that family respect is a large part of their everyday lives. It affects their day-to-day decisions; they want to make their family proud. An-Mei Hsu wanted to listen to her grandmother; however, I think she still felt some sense of duty to her mother and grew to love her. Lindo Jong didn't want to disgrace her family, so she followed through with the arranged marriage. Eventually, this family worship and great amount of respect starts becoming a conflict for the characters. The younger generation is starting to lose sight of the tradition and aren't trying to keep it going. This upsets the mothers; however, by leaving China the older generation was showing a willingness to step away from some of those traditions, even if they didn't intend for that to happen. They are divided between becoming American and keeping their Chinese traditions and lifestyle. They left part of themselves behind and are trying to find it.
