The Interweaving of Rituals

Focusing on the intersection of cultures, this book examines the rituals surrounding the death of Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit in China, and highlights the blending of Chinese and European funeral practices. It illustrates how these rites facilitated cross-cultural exchange and understanding during the early 17th century. Through detailed analysis, the author, Nicholas Standaert, a professor of Sinology, reveals the complexities of ritual interactions and their significance in the context of Jesuit missions in China.