Nang Chong Stories : Kneeling

Not many people kneel today for reasons best known to themselves.

Many  Roman Catholics still kneel when they pray , in church or at home. Some Christians have a special place at home for them to kneel and pray. In religious terms, kneeling of course is part of many faithfuls' prayer life.

Kneeling is of great significance in Chinese culture. In ancient days the Chinese had to kneel before their emperors and other important personalities. A Chinese would kneel down before a god to beg for a blessing or express his or her gratitude to the god for a wish that has been fulfilled.

Kneeling goes with begging e.g. when you are desperate, you kneel to beg for your life. Or when you beg for a bowl of rice, you kneel.

"Be on your knees and beg!" was quite a common and powerful command in the past.

When my maternal grandfather (Lau Kah Jui) passed away in 1943, relatives came from all parts of the Rajang Valley. Those who were very closely related from the Lau Clan, would start to Bow 9 times and kneel three times from the door way to the side of the coffin. the children of the deceased also reciprocated by bowing 9 times and kneeling three times. 

Chinese word for kneel: 

跪

The words for Chinese bow: 

This was the best of respect for a dear relative. When I hear stories like this I naturally get very touched because today people don't do it any more.

(Source : Uncle Lau Pang Hung did the 9 bows and 3 kneels at my grandfather's wake,)