Explainer | How ancient China ‘borrowing longevity’ custom helps to extend lifespan of seriously ill people
In ancient China, people believed that fate predetermined lifespan, yet they also thought life expectancy could be borrowed or exchanged
A superstitious Chinese custom known as “borrowing longevity” involved performing a ritual to pray to the gods when a relative was seriously ill. During this ritual, individuals would voluntarily offer to shorten their own lifespans in hopes of extending the patient’s life.
In ancient China, people held a profound belief in fate, considering a person’s lifespan predetermined and unchangeable. However, they also believed that life expectancy could be borrowed or exchanged.
When parents were gravely ill with little hope for recovery, it was thought that their lifespans were nearly depleted.
In a desperate effort to extend their parents’ lives, some children would engage in devout rituals, seeking to offer part of their own lifespans in exchange.
These rituals typically began with the child fasting and bathing for three days to purify their body and mind.