filial son; dutiful son; mourner
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
filial son; dutiful son (who treats his parents with respect and care)
Refers to a son who demonstrates filial piety (孝) toward his parents; considered a fundamental virtue in traditional Chinese culture. Can be used as a commendatory term.
He is a famously filial son known far and wide, personally taking care of his elderly parents every day.
The ancients said that loyal officials must come from the families of filial sons.
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All three brothers in this family are filial sons, competing to have their parents live with them.
noun
mourner; chief mourner (especially the son who observes the mourning period for deceased parents)
formalIn traditional Chinese funeral customs, refers to the person (usually the eldest son) who formally observes the mourning period (守孝) for parents. During this period, the mourner wears special mourning garments (孝服) and follows ritual restrictions.
As the eldest son, he served as the chief mourner before the coffin, accepting condolences from guests.
According to traditional ritual systems, a mourner must observe a three-year mourning period during which they cannot marry.
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The mourners wore hemp clothing and white cloth on their heads, kneeling and bowing before the tomb.