"buying water", a ceremony carried out by the eldest son for a dead parent. With a traditional funeral, the chief mourner (eldest son) is escorted to the nearest stream or well, drops three cash into it, and brings back a bowl of water. The corpse is then bathed or is symbolically dabbed on the forehead with some of the water. Sometimes, a husband would justify getting a concubine because having no male heirs would mean that he had no one to buy water for him. The ritual signifies filial piety and ensures that the lineage continues.

'buying water', a ceremony carried out by the eldest son for a dead parent

ceremony carried out by the eldest son for a dead parent ("buying water")