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].". The beliefs, fears and rituals of people in the north of Vietnam are investigated.. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. Many people are carried to the hospital if they are sick. In the past, family members prepared the food themselves. 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. Keen to explore the world? If the deceased will be cremated, then this is likely to be a final aspect of the service. Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. *Expires 3/31/2023. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. So they prepare great feasts for the dead to take on their journey. The flowers are gathered and taken to the cemetery or crematory. Some sects burn the paper to speed its process in reaching the deceased in the afterlife. , Dam Gio offers an opportunity for family members to reunite and celebrate, with many of them traveling far distances to their hometowns for the occasion. 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). Depending on the way they died it will be a joyous or somber occasion. They often light an incense stick and bow one or three times before the casket. . A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. Beans are a food offering to the deceaseds spirit. The eldest son leads the procession, carrying a framed photo of the deceased. Learning from other cultures can help you honor your loved ones. 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. Prayers, readings, and singing may be part of the service, depending on the religious affiliations and beliefs of the family. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow to avoid offending the grieving family. It is common for Vietnamese memorial services to include an altar where friends and family can lay offerings of flowers, fruit, candles and incense. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). The information above is intended to provide an overview of the customs and beliefs related to Vietnamese funerals, so that anyone attending can be better prepared for what to expect. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. While Buddhist funeral customs vary from country to country, Buddhists often choose cremation. Celebrating a Death Anniversary in Vietnam. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal so the deceaseds soul isnt connected to death. Embalming and organ donation are acceptable in the Catholic faith. 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. Wear traditional white cloth, such as a headband or armband Walk with sticks to symbolize that grief has left them with a need for support Chant sutras (prayers) Bring offerings of flowers and fruit Burn incense to sweeten the air Guests usually wear modest, dark clothing: a tie and jacket for men; a dress or skirt for women. The ceremony is held at the house of the eldest member of the family, who is in charge of arranging the necessary elements of the ceremony. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. Close family members wear white or yellow headbands to signal their close ties to the deceased. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. As other superstitions in Vietnamese funerals, this is not suitable for a civilized lifestyle, is economically costly, affects environmental sanitation, and spreads diseases. Some modern families choose to keep the remains in an urn and place the urn in a columbarium or a garden created just to enshrine urns. Home Cruises Special Tours Honeymoon Tours You will see the body treated with the utmost care. Heres some more useful information before you attend. If you're unsure what types of rituals to expect or whether you're welcome to participate in them, it's a good idea to consult with a family member first. The family members return home once the body has been consumed by fire and the next morning, they return to collect the ashes. Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Each has a catering kitchen, dining room and courtyard with a ceremonial burner. In Buddhism, for older people who are ill and know they are going to die, death is acceptable and is not shocking for the family. Purple wreaths, often using orchids, are also chosen by many people when they want to show pride, respect, and admiration for the contributions and achievements of the deceased. Later, the family sends photographic mementos to family and friends that couldn't attend. Family and friends take turns keeping vigil over the body throughout the night. Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. Many Vietnamese people see death as a natural phase of the life cycle. Most families would prefer that attendees dress in a respectful manner. It's advisable to learn what to expect if you plan to attend a Vietnamese funeral. This link will open in a new window. 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. While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. Around the world, everyone celebrates birthdays, but in Vietnam, they celebrate other important dates a little differently. Shorts or dresses below the knee and shirts that don't expose too much work perfectly. After three years, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the souls passage as an ancestor into the afterlife. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. When back from the procession, the family will invite guests to lunch or dinner to show gratitude. Ethnic groups, like the Hmong, slaughter cows to make sure the deceased travels into the afterlife. Note:No matter what a family's culture and traditions are, planning or attending a funeral is hard. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. Vietnamese bishops recently released a set of guidelines focusing on ancestor worship for Catholic families to follow. A bowl of rice, a boiled egg, a small plate of salt, and a small cup of water are what they need to prepare. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. Monks chant and pray in the days leading to the funeral and during the ceremony. To Vietnamese, the passing of a person is as important as his birth. The Western trumpet band is also mainly used in the South, usually playing at Cloth Wrapping and Body Placing stages, and when moving the coffin to its final resting place, but the family can request the music to be played whenever. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. Altar Layout: Buddhist funerals feature an altar with photos or statues of Buddha and offerings, as well as photos and objects that honor the person who has died. 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. But now, people often call up a service to help with it. Vietnamese people celebrate one month of baby. However, it is considered rude and very disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the wake or funeral. A Vietnamese funeral tradition that cannot be missed is the Filial Music played by Ceremony Band, which used to be called 8 Sound Band for using various musical instruments to represent 8 tones. At the celebration friends and family present mother and child with luck money. Families spend large amounts on funerals since they believe death is simply the beginning of the afterlife. Depending on the religious affiliations of the family, it's common to wear white or dark colors as a sign of respect and mourning. Do you still have questions about attending a Vietnamese funeral? This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. The Witness Crematorium at Rose Hills accommodates this preference. At the end of the process, a rebirth occurs in the form of a god, demigod, human, animal, hungry gh, 24 Caring Things to Say to Someone Who Had a Miscarriage. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. In this guide, well break down the history, traditions, and etiquette at Vietnamese funerals. Built in 1999, the three-story Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Columbarium is the largest Buddhist pagoda in the United States. The Ceremony Music Band will usually consist of 3 to 7 people, serve during the funeral from 7am to 10pm daily, rest at night and return to work the next day morning. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. What do white and yellow headbands mean at a Vietnamese funeral? In a funeral of the Hmong people here, the dead will often be left hanging for 3 - 7 days, outside under the sun for 1 - 2 days, depending on what day the fortune-teller says they will be buried. When it comes to the offerings for ancestors, its normal to see many traditional dishes, fruit, wine, tea, and chopsticks set out. There is a mass on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after death. Buddhist Death Rituals and End of Life Traditions, Buddhists believe that a person goes through a process called samsara, or reincarnation at death. The length of a Vietnamese funeral can vary. A car adorned with funeral flags and flower arrangements leads the entourage. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. Vietnamese people fear that the evil spirits will be jealous of new clothes and cause the baby to become ill. However, today, it usually lasts around three days. Rituals of a Vietnamese Funeral "Cleansing" of the Deceased's Body As soon as the family is certain their loved one is no longer alive, the "cleansing" ritual starts. Before that, the family will create an altar for the dead. Since filial responsibilities are weighed heavily in the Vietnamese culture, and proper death rituals according to one's abilities are important, death rituals give the bereaved a final chance to make it right by the deceased and thus provide a sense of continuity as well as final closure. 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 . Musicians accompany the procession and play uplifting celebratory music if the deceased died a natural death after a long life. Other terms and conditions apply. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. form. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. 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. Even if the family isnt Buddhist you may find Buddhist traditions present, so its useful to be familiar with them. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Cremating the deceased cremation is the preferred method of disposition at a Buddhist funeral as the physical body is believed to hold little significance, The burning of incense at the altar of the deceased, Singing or chanting different sutras (prayers), Bringing offerings to the person who has passed away (such as incense, fruits, food, or candles), Displaying photographs and memorabilia of the deceased for mourners to pay their respects (usually placed around an altar). Mung beans are especially popular to use in funeral dishes across Vietnam. Other family members recite prayers and light incense at the start of each day. It even has its own name. The family will lay the body in the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity. This can be especially true around the holiday season when fr, Losing a parent may be one of the most intense and painful experiences your friend or family member goes through. The next morning comes signifying its time for the procession. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. The funeral, held at home, usually includes a large tent set up in front of the building for guests to visit. There may be flowers and food. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. According to the locals belief, the soul may get lost without this trace. White mourning wreaths often use chrysanthemums, roses, lilies, to express the purity, modesty, and sophistication of the deceased in the eyes of the sender, as well as their mourning. While setting up the altar, a family member will take care of hiring a music band to play at the funeral. instead of hanging a colorful background panel. Although death is an inevitable part of life, understanding its customs and beliefs can help to honor the memory of the deceased and show respect for their family. Social status and religion influence Vietnamese funeral practices, but Vietnamese funerals generally share a few things: They last several days and are filled with solemn beauty and respect for the person who has died. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. For example, I was shocked to discover that Americans and perhaps, most citizens of the Western world do not photograph funerals or wakes. This is so the spirit can gently move into higher states and be reborn in a better realm. According to Vietnamese funeral customs, the daughter or / and daughter-in-law of the dead person needs to wear a banana braided belt, let their hair down and not wear sandals. During this time, families will gather together to offer prayers and offerings to the deceased. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. The mood remains somber. Family members take turns sitting with the body while it is in the home. Thus, individuals or groups often show up with packs of incense sticks and sympathy money. Rose Hills is a foremost expert in Vietnamese funeral traditions. Though there are no hard and fast rules around funeral customs, there are certain Vietnamese funeral traditions that are usually observed. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. It is usually sewn with fine fabric, yellow and red silk, embroidered with metal thread, on which are written the names of Buddha, Seven Buddhas, suttas, and couplets. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. A mix of political and religious history has made these funerals special to witness. The Dam Gio celebration is one tradition that has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture, and therefore, should be appreciated and respected. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. According to Vietnamese funeral customs, if it is permanent, the grave will be built firmly, but if it is reburial, the grave is only lightly covered with earth and grass. Now that youre familiar with Vietnams religious history, lets take a look at how religions influence modern funeral customs. subject to our Terms of Use. Superstitions differed based on location, too. After the body has been interred, the funeral procession returns to the home where a meal is served. Our state-of-the-art witness crematorium allows families who wish to participate in the cremation of their loved ones to do so. This ensures the deceased an easy journey to eternity. This attitude toward death may be influenced by the fact that older adults are highly respected in Vietnamese culture, and therefore, aging and death may not conjure up as many negative connotations as within Western cultures. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Other families have pictures of their family members on their. 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. This ensures all the family ancestors are together in the afterlife. Saying something thoughtful and empathetic can show your support, but it can be a c, What to Text Someone Who Is Grieving to Comfort Them, Although you might not feel like texting is the best way to reach out to comfort someone who's grieving, sometimes it's the most appropriate way to offer your condolences. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. Once a taboo in the past, cremation is as popular as burying these days. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. You will act with the same kind of somber respect as you would at any funeral. Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. The purpose of this stage is to clean the death body and place it inside the coffin. Though having similar meanings. During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. The design of the tall funeral structures called chao pha and heo "trees . 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. You should wear black like the other funeral attendees. This belief dictates death planning for the Vietnamese. Offers are subject to change and may not be combined with other offers. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. Robe or hat and 100th day after death journey to the deceased next to each other reborn in a funeral... It inside the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity a legacy of... And offerings to the locals belief, the family combined with other offers sitting with the same of! 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