The Ghi Hwan ceremony ("returning to joy") is the farewell greetings that the immediate family, trinity members, spiritual children, spiritual parents, and friends share with the elevated spirit. This means that at some time during the interim between ascension and the Seung Hwa the family and friends visit wherever the body is and offer their prayers and farewell greetings. Our attitude should be one of sincerity and respect. As well, we should remember the efforts and dedication of his or her past life on earth.
Location. Traditionally, the body and casket are brought to the person's home (or another person's home or the church center) after being embalmed and laid out, and the family, trinity members, and/or other members of the community take turns staying in the room in which the casket stands, praying, singing, offering testimonies, and saying their farewells. For this ceremony, one should dress nicely, sing a song, offer a prayer, light incense, present flowers, and give a farewell kiss.
Today it is often not possible to have the body brought to the home or anywhere other than the mortuary. If the individual has specified his or her desires in this matter, those desires are to be carried out. Otherwise, the spouse of the ascending spirit (or parents if the ascending spirit is a Blessed child) decide where the Ghi Hwan ceremony is to be held. If it is held in a central location, Holy Salt the room where the Ghi Hwan ceremony takes place.
(The casket may be open or closed during the Ghi Hwan ceremony, according to the family's wishes.)
Prayer vigil. The other thing that takes place in the interim between ascension and the Seung Hwa is a prayer vigil. Traditionally, an around-the-clock prayer vigil begins as soon after the ascension as possible and continues until the Seung Hwa begins. It is also acceptable for the prayer vigil to cover only the hours from midnight until 4 a.m. on the nights in between the ascension and the Seung Hwa. People can either pray where the body is, in another central location, or in their own homes.
Altar (in front of the casket). If the Ghi Hwan is held in a central location, an altar may be set up. Otherwise, the altar is set up at the Seung Hwa. See page 208, diagram 23.2, in The Tradition book.
-- New white or light-colored cloth to cover altar
-- Framed picture of individual, in wood frame if possible; 16" X
20" is preferred size; at least use 8" X 10".
-- Pink or white ribbon for picture (see page 207, diagram 23.1, in The
Tradition book).
-- Easel or stand to hold picture (funeral home may have one available).
-- 2 Shim Jung candles, newly multiplied.
-- OPTIONAL: Incense and incense holder (or deep dish with sand).
The smoke from the candles (and the incense, if used) purifies the individual's way to heaven, carrying all the thoughts, prayers, and content of the ceremonies to the individual and to heaven.
[ Top | Introduction | Organ Donations | The Meaning of Seung Hwa | Three Phases | Preparation of the body and casket | 1. Ghi Hwan Ceremony | 2. Seung Hwa Ceremony | 3. Won Jeon Ceremony | After the Seung Hwa Ceremony | Support Committee | Casket | Pre-Planning | Checklist ]
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