What is the Significance of This Saying?
The phrase, “Rain on a coffin foretells eternal poverty,” suggests that according to folk belief, rain falling during a funeral, especially if it wets the coffin, is considered an ill omen.
In the past, people believed that such an occurrence would bring misfortune to the family, foretelling a life of potential hardships and uncertainties.
On the contrary, the saying, “Rain on a grave foretells eternal wealth,” implies that if the rain falls after the burial is complete, it is seen as a positive sign.
This phenomenon is interpreted as the heavens’ blessing, foretelling that the deceased’s descendants will be blessed with good fortune and prosperity.
The Deeper Meaning Behind This Saying
In ancient times, it was customary to keep the coffin at home for several days before burial. Hence, rain falling before the coffin was laid to rest could disrupt the burial process.
Folk belief held that this indicated the deceased’s reluctance to leave the mortal world, which was considered an inauspicious sign.
Some also believed that rain before burial indicated the deceased’s unrest, and delaying the funeral could negatively affect their descendants, causing family turmoil or disharmony.
For the ancients, funeral arrangements were a crucial duty and a display of filial piety. This piety extended beyond their parents’ lifetimes, manifesting in the meticulous handling of their afterlife affairs.
While these sayings may not be scientifically based, they reflect folk beliefs and customs. Whether one chooses to believe in them is a matter of personal choice.
“Don’t Let Opportunities Slip Away: Seizing the Moment for Success”
In the past, despite facing a life of hardship and poverty, our ancestors had a saying about certain foods that, even if they fell right in front of you, you wouldn’t eat. One such example was the phenomenon of “chim sa cá nhảy”, which translates to “falling birds and jumping fish”. This saying refers to a practice where people would not catch birds that flew into their homes or keep fish that jumped onto the shore or into their yards.