Nature is our final home

Chen, a 58-year-old office worker at Zhengzhou Railway Bureau, Henan province.

When my parents-in-law died in 1985, my husband and I buried their ashes on our farmland. However, the land was reclaimed when the 30-year-long lease expired.

We didn't know where to put their ashes, until early this month.

It was then that I happened to see a news report that said the government was offering free burial services for people who chose to bury their relatives' ashes under a tree.

At first, I hesitated because not keeping the ashes or having a monument is contrary to normal practice.

I asked my daughter, who teaches at a vocational school, and my best friend for advice. They both agreed with the tree burial, saying it would be good for the environment.

I thought it through: Even if we bought a plot for the ashes at the cemetery so we could visit regularly, how many years would it last? I don't think our sons and grandsons will remember to visit after we die.

Also, regular burials are a waste of resources and money. The most extreme custom I've heard about from a friend is that in his hometown in the rural areas near Zhengzhou, bodies must be kept at home in a rented refrigerator for a month before cremation or burial.

The rent for the plot, plus other fees, put a heavy burden on the living. However, people have followed these customs for a long time, so anyone who breaks them will be criticized for unfilial behavior.

I think the old customs are wrong and should be abandoned. When I die, I would like my ashes to be scattered in the Yellow River. Even great leaders like late premier Zhou Enlai chose a green funeral and returned to the land, so why do we ordinary people have so many concerns? Nature is our final home.

Chen (she preferred not to give her full name) spoke with Li Hongyang.