Opening the Coffin to Collect Remains (Qǐ Zuān)
The ritual of opening a coffin and collecting the bones during reburial. Also written as 'qǐ cuán'.
Qǐ zuān (or qǐ cuán) refers to the ritual of opening an old coffin and collecting the bones during reburial. This is a highly specific and solemn process. Traditionally, it is conducted with great care, requiring the selection of an extremely auspicious day and hour to show the utmost respect for the deceased's remains and to hope for better feng shui and fortune for the family.