In Vietnam, there are also many traditional superstitions about death. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. The mood remains somber. For some, it is customary to witness the cremation. Thai funeral customs vary according to the cause of death as well as the age, gender and social position of the deceased. The family believes that the deceaseds soul comes back on this day to share in a feast and meet new family members. generalized educational content about wills. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. It is like commemorating a president's first 100 days in office. It is located at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia , with an area of 311,699 square kilometres (120,348 sq mi) and population of 96 million, making it the world's sixteenth-most populous country . The typical foodstuffs are three bowls of rice, three cups of tea, and other daily foods, such as hard-boiled eggs. Vietnamese funerals have complex rituals, to say the least: gold coins and rice in the deceased person's mouth, finger and toe nails clipped and packaged, and, weirdest of all, a vigilant guard for the coffin so that cats and dogs don't jump over the body and bring the deceased back to life. If you are attending a Dam Gio, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rituals and their significance so youre prepared to show respect towards the Vietnamese culture and the men and women being celebrated. This phenomenon of people dying close to each other is considered bad luck, bringing more deaths to the family, although how serious it also depends on the date and time of the last breath. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs. Although more and more people now cremate their deceased, most people still choose the traditional method of burial, especially in cemeteries for more convenience and solemnity. Many take place in a funeral home, not a temple. Vietnamese people fear that the evil spirits will be jealous of new clothes and cause the baby to become ill. Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. One of the greatest fears in Vietnam is that the dead won't find peace in the afterlife - that they'll be left to wander as tortured spirits. This link will open in a new window. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. Buddhist and Catholic beliefs shape death views in their own right. The son must also wear a straw hat wrapped with banana sheath and hold a cane (a round bamboo one if the father dies, a square cane made of Folium Erythrinae if the mother dies). This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. First, the family will offer a simple meal to the deceaseds altar. Many elderly people revealed that not only are babies buried alive with their mothers, who unfortunately died during childbirth, but babies who are still breastfed also cannot escape the death. The family lights incense daily to remember their loved one. Spirits are invited to visit a household through prayers. Traditionally, black and white funeral or mourning flags are placed outside the home to follow the road to the main thoroughfare. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. In the early morning, the music band starts playing and cues the funeral to begin. The host of the event prays and invites the spirit of deceased family members into the house, leaving more than one tray of food if the spirit decides to bring friends along. Bells and Gongs: Often there will be a ringing of bells or gongs as a part of the funeral rituals. Families share stories, food, and offerings at the altar. . Before that, the family will create an altar for the dead. Image: SteveAndNoelle Preparing The Body EN. At Cake, we help you create one for free. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. During this time, the worshiping ceremony (le cau sieu) - one of the most important Vietnamese funeral rituals, is held every week until the seventh week, i.e. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Once the coffin is about two meters underground, the family will bid adieu to the deceased and leave. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is what to say on a death anniversary. The family will choose a lucky day for their loved ones funeral, so prepare to have a flexible schedule when planning to attend. Please enter email to get furtherinformation for your travel plan, Besides nature's beauty, historical relics,.. Vietnamese souvenirs especially handcrafted gifts with unique and catchy processes, also attract tourists a lot. This is so the spirit can gently move into higher states and be reborn in a better realm. If the deceased is to be cremated, the procession route is to the crematory where family members stand vigil while the body is cremated. Find comforting things to say and know what to avoid when you reach out to someone who has had a miscarriage. Dam Gio, or the Great Memory, is a traditional Vietnamese death anniversary that is celebrated once a year to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. The father may see the child only after the baby has been cleaned and dressed. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. One of the most common things to see when visiting funerals in Vietnam is the wreath of flowers, with the sender's name on it and their goodbyes to the deceased. In the past, family members prepared the food themselves. In Vietnamese culture, death is seen as a natural part of life and not something to be feared or dreaded. If you're worried about selecting the right arrangement, white flowers are generally a welcome sympathy gift at a Vietnamese funeral, especially the white lotus. Buddhist dont eat meat products 49 days after the funeral (and most dont eat them at all!) Prices quoted include 10% savings and endowment care. Example credit transaction: A total purchase price of $ 18,000 financed at 0% with a 10% down payment would require 48 monthly payments of $303.75. For instance, some families believe that it's bad luck for the deceased to be buried on a full moon day, as well as during certain times of the year or during particular festivals or holidays. These wreaths are not required but are often sent by many visitors, showing compassion, respect and sympathy for the family. Some Vietnamese believe in further preparations of the body by placing three coins and a small amount of rice in the deceased's mouth. Therefore, it's bad luck to carry a corpse home. Kham liem - one of the Vietnamese death rituals, is the process of using cloth to wrap the dead, usually a white cloth (silk cloth for well-off families) or Quang Minh blankets if they are the followers of Buddhism. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio or are looking to learn more about what this ceremony entails, youve come to the right place. When someone dies, the family will invite a shaman to perform a ceremony and hang the corpse on a rack, and organize a feast at home until the body is taken to the cemetery, where they continue the ceremony. Bodies can be cremated or buried in Vietnamese culture, it typically depends on the religion and preferences of the deceased and the family. Vietnam or Viet Nam (Vietnamese: Vit Nam, [vt nm] ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia. During the journey, a family member will scatter paper effigy (paper gold bars) to lead the way for the deceased. Later, the family sends photographic mementos to family and friends that couldn't attend. A typical funeral music band includes trumpet, drum, and Vietnamese two-chord fiddle playing. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. Though having similar meanings, funerals in Vietnam are held differently among 54 ethnic groups, moreover, along with the development of society, the funeral now has many differences from the past. In fact, due to Confucianism, families are to set aside a three-year mourning period when parents pass away to show the proper amount of respect and honor. 2020. In modern times, and for practicalitys sake, home altars are now set up to ease the deceaseds journey into becoming an ancestor. Vietnamese Funeral Customs - Rituals to the Deceased and the Wake For the deceased, the body is washed and dressed in formal clothes. These offerings include candles, incense, fruit, and other gifts. The family is easily identified by their traditional white clothing. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. During the afternoon, food and offerings are arranged in front of an altar, and food is served on the table. Vietnam is full of death traditions, with the most important is ancestor worship. Some traditions forego the symbolic burning of clothing. Please note that the information provided here is just a general overview of Vietnamese funeral traditions, beliefs, and superstitions; it is important to be aware of any specific customs, preferences or beliefs associated with the funeral service you are attending. The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. In the Buddhism religio Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Reincarnation plays an important role in Buddhist funeral traditions, as Buddhists see death as a transition from this life to the next, bringing the soul closer to Nirvana, a state of absolute bliss. The family places the body in the coffin on the first day, relatives and friends visit on the second, and on the third, they bury or cremate the body (cremation is a traditional Buddhist approach, but customs differ among families). It may be surprising to you how openly the family talks about death. This link will open in a new window. Specialty property includes monuments, private and semi-private estates (20% savings). so the deceaseds soul isnt connected to death. In ancient times, the flags were also used as an announcement there was a death at the home. On Dam Gio, families often gather to share stories and memories of their lost loved ones, exchange gifts, and light incense in their honor. Staff Writers. Once the family table is set with all the food, the eldest member of the family prays in front of the altar to invite spirits into the home. What do white and yellow headbands mean at a Vietnamese funeral? Depending on the way they died it will be a joyous or somber occasion. Celebrating a one-month-old baby is like commemorating a president's first 100 days in office. When not deep in writing, I enjoy a long walk by the beach and contemplating what to write next :D. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. Most people in Vietnam have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night. 49 days, then 100 days, 1 year, and 3 years is the official end of the funeral. CopingWith the First Thanksgiving Without Your Loved One, It can be difficult to adapt to life after the loss of a loved one, and it might seem like things will never go back to being the same. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. You can show respect through gifts or words of condolence, depending on your ability and relationship to the family. Later, adults and children will sing, eat rice soup, and play games until midnight. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. Odd numbers are considered lucky by the Vietnamese, and when lighting incense, guests should choose three or five sticks, with three being the ideal. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . Vietnamese Author Dieu-Hien T. Hoang describes her uncle's death, recalling how each family member "used their talent to "serve" [her] uncle [on his deathbed].". Catholic funeral customs, like a mass and wake, are interwoven with Buddhist protocols to create a unique funeral experience. The grieving process is a. While Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors without taking a shower for a month after giving birth. If you choose flowers make sure to avoid reda color reserved for happy occasions, not funerals. In the US, older people still prefer a traditional diet, though more meat is available than was in Vietnam. advice. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. Science also has a number of explanations for these actions such as absorbing moisture, and preventing the body from rotting (decomposing) too quickly as the Vietnamese funerals last for days. Accept, Vietnamese Funeral Service Traditions & Protocol, Vietnamese Burials, Mourning, and Death Anniversaries, In this guide, well break down the history, traditions, and etiquette at Vietnamese funerals. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. Meanwhile, family members announce the passing of their loved one to relatives and friends. The grandchildren and relatives only wear white or yellow cotton headband. Offers apply to new and qualifying cemetery contracts only. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. Funeral guests frequently give gifts of money to the family before the funeral. Vietnamese funerals both shows love and mourning for the deceased, and helps the living move on with their lives. Though there are no hard and fast rules around funeral customs, there are certain Vietnamese funeral traditions that are usually observed. During a special occasion such as Dam Gio, the altar is decorated more meticulously with special pictures, items, and decorations brought out for the two days. Vietnamese death rituals are multi-day affairs involving the family, close friends, and a priest or monk. Death is seen as a natural part of life that should be honored with respect and tradition, The traditional German funeral is steeped in age-old customs and beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. The next morning comes signifying its time for the procession. If the deceased will be cremated, then this is likely to be a final aspect of the service. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. Likewise, when guests bow their heads at the casket, they should bow three or five times. They brought their economy based in rice farming with them from China. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. Theological and Cultural Foundation., www.macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/10557/1/fulltext.pdf. A monk typically conducts the funeral. of an actual attorney. According to the Vietnamese concept, death is not an end but they just move to another world, reunite with their ancestors, and then there will come a time for the living to meet those who have passed away. If you're attending a Catholic Vietnamese funeral, some traditions may include: Funeral Masses usually follow the standard Catholic service; however, there may be readings or reflections based on the life and beliefs of the deceased. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. Rose Hills is a foremost expert in Vietnamese funeral traditions. Keep in mind that many modern families have adopted Western cultural funeral rites, while others have created a hybrid tradition in a blending of the two. As other superstitions in Vietnamese funerals, this is not suitable for a civilized lifestyle, is economically costly, affects environmental sanitation, and spreads diseases. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. In modern times, thanks to the education of the government, this custom has disappeared, but its horror remains forever in the hearts of people living in that period. Learning from other cultures can help you honor your loved ones. Attending a funeral can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it. The ritual begins with food and meal preparations. Worshiping ancestors is not only a channel to show respect and honor, but is also a channel to ask for favors and divine help. During this time, families will gather together to offer prayers and offerings to the deceased. Now that youre familiar with some of the traditions youll encounter at a Vietnamese funeral, its helpful to know how to behave. At the heart of Hua Yuan is an elegant reception area that showcases the elements of water, sun and air. This is seen as disrespectful. Meanwhile, a family member will block off evil spirits by marking each corner of the coffin with a knife. Rose Hills introduced the complexwhich welcomes families of all cultural backgroundsin 2019. Create a free website to honor your loved one. The main Catholic traditions observed in a Vietnamese funeral include: Most funeral rites are performed in the presence of the body. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is. It is also important to make sure you don't wear any expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, or logos. Events are similar in pattern to what happens during the first day, but they are focused on worshipping and offering gifts to their ancestors. If the family is a traditional Buddhist family, it is common for them to wear white and for attendees to wear black or other dark colors. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online Contact usfor details. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. There may be flowers and food. After the funeral ceremony is complete, a funeral procession follows the casket to the cemetery for burial. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. The one day viewing usually starting in the morning or noon lasts well into the evening, generally the day before the funeral, and typically includes the ambiance of candlelight and incense. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. Whittier - FD970 | Alhambra - FD17 | City of Industry - FD1660 |Hua Yuan - FD2404, 2023 SCI Management, L.P., All Rights Reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. On the third day, everyone gathers at the home for the funeral procession to either the cemetery or crematorium, depending on their faith. After that, the family will cover the deceaseds face with a white sheet and light up candles next to where he or she rests. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. More guests tend to arrive with gifts such as fruit, wine, and baskets with tea, nuts, and alcohol. I have a huge passion for exploring new places & different cultures. Particular passions, milestone moments and legacies created weave together to tell a story that is completely unique. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. Celebrating a Death Anniversary in Vietnam. Once the body is inside the coffin, a monk or a shaman will offer prayers, surrounded by the family. Death anniversaries bring generations of family members prepared the food themselves using a towel with water infused fragrant! In Vietnamese culture, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together ancestor. On the familys wishes you may see the child only after the to! 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