1, 6, Regents of the University of California, 2006. online.ucpress.edu/jvs/article-pdf/1/1-2/314/339470/vs_2006_1_1-2_314.pdf. Keen to explore the world? Vietnam or Viet Nam (Vietnamese: Vit Nam, [vt nm] ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. advice. As a nurse, Hoang "searched all over town for some morphine to relieve his pain [while] Grandchildren showed him how well they did in school.". They often light an incense stick and bow one or three times before the casket. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. According to Vietnamese funeral traditions, when the person is out of breath, a chopstick is placed across the jaw to prevent teeth from grinding together and some rice, and three coins (or gold) are put in so that the dead person does not turn into a hungry ghost. After the body has been interred, the funeral procession returns to the home where a meal is served. . It is also important to make sure you don't wear any expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, or logos. Close relatives are invited for the two days of celebration, and they stay at the house of the host to help with preparations for the last day, which is most important. While setting up the altar, a family member will take care of hiring a music band to play at the funeral. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. The Dignity Memorial network includes affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas, as well as many other fine independently owned and operated establishments. Loss is hard. The reason for this very cruel custom is explained in a very simple way, which is because life in the deep mountains in the past was inherently poor and harsh. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. To avoid that, lets check out several dos and donts below: Hi there, I'm a passionate writer about all things culture, travel, culinary, and more! This event is usually celebrated once a year, and it can be in honor of more than one family member who has passed away. The beliefs, fears and rituals of people in the north of Vietnam are investigated.. During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. The remains may be scattered in a river or ocean per tradition. Vietnamese funeral flowers can be fake or real, most commonly a combination of the two, arranged in full circles, topped with a ribbon on which the senders condolences are written. There is a mass on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after death. Votive paper symbolizes paper money, and coins are dropped along the way to the cemetery. Ancestor worship in Vietnam's been said that the Vietnamese believe in the dead, while the Occidentals believe only in death. As day eases into night, the family will prepare a hearty dinner for the deceaseds altar. If you're attending a Buddhist funeral, you're likely to participate in different traditions, or to at least bear witness to them. Buddhist Death Rituals and End of Life Traditions, Buddhists believe that a person goes through a process called samsara, or reincarnation at death. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. forms. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. 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. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. 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. The family believes that the deceaseds soul comes back on this day to share in a feast and meet new family members. Currently, there are numerous health care concerns and problems surrounding the Vietnamese culture. Attending a funeral can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it. Existence is a continuum stretching through birth, a life spent in tangible form on Earth, followed by death and a spirit existence in another realm for a further two or three generations. form. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. Whether you're attending a Vietnamese funeral, organizing one, or just are curious about the customs, this article will provide an overview of Vietnamese beliefs and traditions regarding death, as well as what to expect when attending a Vietnamese funeral. A Vietnamese funeral is a very important event that is rooted in traditional beliefs and customs. A Buddhist funeral is simple, solemn and dignified, usually occurring within a week after death. Instagram. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that comprise the Dignity Memorial network. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online The photo, incense bowl and altar tray are brought back and placed on the altar, which must always be incense and smoke during the mourning period. Friends send the mother nourishing food, and the baby gold bracelets, clothing, and trinkets. advice. It's advisable to learn what to expect if you plan to attend a Vietnamese funeral. Pinterest. For example, Vietnamese Buddhists pray for the deceased for 49 days. Though having similar meanings. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. In addition, the yellow color of chrysanthemums, gerberas, is also used to mean wishing the best to the spirits, so they can go to the afterlife safely and peacefully. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. Usage of any form or other service on our website is Even if the family isnt Buddhist you may find Buddhist traditions present, so its useful to be familiar with them. The most suitable are white lotus flowers as it symbolises purification. Instead, this is a festive day during which family members and friends gather to honor their family members who have passed away. Respect for elders and the deceased is of the utmost importance in Vietnamese culture, and funerals are an opportunity to show respect for the deceased. The Vietnamese celebrate this event and invite the spirits of their family members to visit their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities. This link will open in a new window. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. Note:No matter what a family's culture and traditions are, planning or attending a funeral is hard. Ghosts in Vietnam are known to take on many forms and do not fit into one category. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Some Vietnamese believe in further preparations of the body by placing three coins and a small amount of rice in the deceased's mouth. Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. Likewise, when guests bow their heads at the casket, they should bow three or five times. generalized educational content about wills. Here are the most common funeral rituals so you can knowwhat to expect at a Buddhist funeral: Death is another part of life for Vietnamese Buddhists. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. It begins with the preparation of the deceased's body that will be on display at the family home until it is time for the funeral. 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. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered secular funeral, but thats not always the case. During the journey, a family member will scatter paper effigy (paper gold bars) to lead the way for the deceased. By spending quality time with family from all over and remembering their elders, they adhere to the important tradition of respecting their elders and honoring their loved ones. Family members and the person who has passed typically wear white; guests wear black or gray. , but thats not always the case. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. In Vietnamese culture, death is seen as a natural part of life and not something to be feared or dreaded. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. Arriving at a funeral empty-handed is not a good gesture. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. Meanwhile, the H'mong ethnic people in Ho Mit Commune, Tan Uyen District, Lai Chau Province also have a depraved Vietnamese funeral custom that needed to be changed. Each family member places a food offering on the altar. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. A monk typically conducts the funeral. The baby's hair and nails must never be cut during the first . While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service Now that youre familiar with some of the traditions youll encounter at a Vietnamese funeral, its helpful to know how to behave. 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