"You have to put the fruit in the bowl" —Mom

Mom looks in disdain at my set up for a photo project that brought me back to Virginia. I wanted to capture the tradition and beauty of honoring your ancestors, which despite its Confucius beginnings, my very Catholic mother (she cried upon seeing the Pope in Rome) still practices.

We have a little alter in my parent's bedroom consisting of photos of my grandparents with a fruit bowl and the option of incense, always present. When the incense is lit, you place your hands together and bow three times to show respect. During holidays or special occasions, favorite dishes of the deceased is included for them to enjoy in the spirit world, similar to Dia de Los Muertos in Mexican culture. Food forms the centerpiece to ancestor worship, it's not something that connects just the living but spans to the spirit world as well. For the Chinese, food isn't a means to survival (ugh Soylent), but a generous and sociable pleasure. At a minimum a fruit bowl is always lavishly filled. Often as a kid, when our fruit bowl downstairs looked a bit...minimal, I would go upstairs and take some from Poh Poh (maternal grandmother in Cantonese). I don't think she minded. 

The tradition goes back centuries. The Chinese have always believed that the deceased is still among us, concerned with the affairs of the world and possesses sway in the fortune of their living relatives. Regardless, I think it's still a good idea to show respect to those before you because they are the root to your flowering tree. 

I've recently taken on the belief of honoring and respecting your ancestors and your roots. During my solo journey through Patagonia, I could feel the spirit of Poh Poh guide me. I know it sounds crazy, but I felt the connection. It was very Mulan—I could see spirit Poh Poh groaning and telling my grandfather that I get this stubbornness from him.

I never understood its importance growing up, but as a mostly-adult, I never want to forget where I came from and the traditions that encompass that. And so I went on a road trip to Virginia to see my parents, honor my grandparents, and eat some really, really good food.