The thesis focuses on the concept of hunpo 魂魄 soul while concentrating primarily on its role and meaning in the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).
First, I start with the general description of the concept of hunpo and explain it further with a representation of its etymological development. The first chapter will be concluded in two parts: initially, with the explanation of hun’s and po’s evolution, followed by a description of the concept of hunpo when the two characters began to be used together. In the second chapter, I continue with the explanation of the rituals that have a connection with the concept of hunpo soul and the portrayal of the preparations needed for the burial and care given to the newly dead. At the same time, I also explain the meaning that jade has in a funerary context. In the end, I convey the meaning of the hunpo soul in the Han dynasty. I describe the posthumous life of hunpo soul, the role it has in the human body, and its manifestation in funerary art. All three chapters will then be summarised in the conclusion, and the role and meaning of the concept of hunpo soul in the Han dynasty will be comprehensively articulated.
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