It's advisable to learn what to expect if you plan to attend a Vietnamese funeral. After a visitation, friends and family usually share light refreshments and time for remembrance. Incense is lit, and offerings are made as part of the ceremony. The funeral will last three days. This belief dictates death planning for the Vietnamese. These rituals have been passed down for generations and reflect a reverence for life, death and spirituality. Twitter. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. 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). Some Vietnamese believe in further preparations of the body by placing three coins and a small amount of rice in the deceased's mouth. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. Dam Gio altar decorations include fresh, bright-colored flowers in beautifully decorated vases and two candleholders in each corner of the altar. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. Most Vietnamese are Buddhist; other religious preferences include Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, and Chinese Confucianism. Generally, services will last around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the size and scope of the service. The Insiders Guide to Funeral & Cremation Planning will walk you through inspirational ideas and the simple steps to planning an unforgettable memorial of a loved ones lifeor your own when you plan in advance. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online
Family and friends give offerings to the deceased like incense, food, and money. A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. The purpose of Dam Gio is to provide offerings to passed loved ones, so they are comfortable wherever they are. of an actual attorney. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow to avoid offending the grieving family. Prayers are offered, and the casket is lowered into the prepared gravesite. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). The baby's hair and nails must never be cut during the first . We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. Sally is a prolific non-fiction and fiction writer, who has appeared in multiple print and digital publications. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. The gifts are placed on the altar, and the eldest member of the family proceeds with the ritual of inviting spirits to the home, pouring wine, lighting incense, and praying. Family members will set up an altar right at their home and continue with the next steps of the funeral. Now that youre familiar with Vietnams religious history, lets take a look at how religions influence modern funeral customs. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. Events are similar in pattern to what happens during the first day, but they are focused on worshipping and offering gifts to their ancestors. Do you still have questions about attending a Vietnamese funeral? After the funeral ceremony is complete, a funeral procession follows the casket to the cemetery for burial. If you are wondering why this is such an important event, its important to consider the impact of Confucianism in Vietnam. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. Keep reading to find out. 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. While setting up the altar, a family member will take care of hiring a music band to play at the funeral. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? Instead, this is a festive day during which family members and friends gather to honor their family members who have passed away. Next to Vietnamese funerals, 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. In the US, older people still prefer a traditional diet, though more meat is available than was in Vietnam. 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. Vietnamese Because of exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, older Vietnamese immigrants are potentially at risk for cancers, immune deficiency, endocrine disruption, and neurological damage. If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. If you have an extended stay with the family, you will see them giving food offerings at the home altar before each meal. For the convenience of work and for daily life, nowadays mourning clothes are only worn until the burial is completed, after that, a black bandage on the sleeve or a small black piece on the chest is acceptable. During Dam Gio, its customary to prepare traditional dishes as well as the deceased family members favorite foods. At Cake, we help you create one for free. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. Regardless of methods, the persons eternal home is often at a cemetery. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. This link will open in a new window. This link will open in a new window. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. 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. It only takes 5 minutes. Some traditions forego the symbolic burning of clothing. Please try again later. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. Pinterest. You will act with the same kind of somber respect as you would at any funeral. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered secular funeral, but thats not always the case. At the celebration, friends and family present mother and child with luck money. In Vietnamese culture, actions are important. After the ritual is over, everyone proceeds to eat and talk about the passed family members life and experiences. The first Vietnamese believed they were the descendants of a dragon and an angel. (Note: In Vietnamese culture, odd numbers are typically considered to be lucky. Springfield, IL, England. Now that youre familiar with some of the traditions youll encounter at a Vietnamese funeral, its helpful to know how to behave. Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. 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. When the two-day celebration concludes, it is customary for hosts to offer their guests Vietnamese cakes to take home. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service
Animistic beliefs (that all objects, people, and places have a spirit) are the cornerstone of Vietnamese funerals. of an actual attorney. This link will open in a new window. At the celebration friends and family present mother and child with luck money. Facebook. Pinterest. In some places, grandsons and granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, while grandchildren have blue dots on theirs. 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. It may be surprising to you how openly the family talks about death. This link will open in a new window. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. Vietnamese Funeral Customs - Rituals to the Deceased and the Wake For the deceased, the body is washed and dressed in formal clothes. Mung beans are especially popular to use in funeral dishes across Vietnam. In this chapter we shall describe the way in which some Vietnamese people cope with death and dying. More guests tend to arrive with gifts such as fruit, wine, and baskets with tea, nuts, and alcohol. Get started by downloading our funeral planning guide or contact an advisor today. Most people in Vietnam have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night. Ghosts in Vietnam are known to take on many forms and do not fit into one category. While awaiting the delivery of the casket, the deceased is placed on their bed. When the Vietnamese funerals are over at the grave, everyone will carry the photo and perform the ceremony to go home, but by another way and also stop crying, so that the spirit of the dead person wont follow. A car adorned with funeral flags and flower arrangements leads the entourage. 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 a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. The death body is cleaned with alcohol or water, removed from the old clothes and worn in the death clothes. When a Vietnamese person dies, his or her family will mourn for several days, inviting friends and family as well as a religious leader to say goodbye. 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. Therefore, since 2015, the local government has carried out many educational activities to help the Mong people here change in accordance with new cultural lifestyles and fine customs of the nation. In the past, family members prepared the food themselves. Death is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life. EN. 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. These define the way to the home so mourners can find their way to the wake to pay their respects. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online
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Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. It even has its own name. It is considered bad luck for menstruating women to light incense. Staff Writers. Even if the family isnt Buddhist you may find Buddhist traditions present, so its useful to be familiar with them. Instagram. When back from the procession, the family will invite guests to lunch or dinner to show gratitude. Celebrating a Death Anniversary in Vietnam. Offers apply to new and qualifying cemetery contracts only. The family is easily identified by their traditional white clothing. According to the locals belief, the soul may get lost without this trace. A monk typically conducts the funeral. The family lights incense daily to remember their loved one. A nice funeral flower stand is also a great choice. However, any white flower is considered appropriate. Guests are expected to bow toward the loved one as a sign of appreciation for lessons regarding impermanence of life. . All belongings of the deceased will be burnt for him or her to use in the afterlife. The family members return home once the body has been consumed by fire and the next morning, they return to collect the ashes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Additionally, it's common for families to light a candle and offer prayers on the one-year anniversary of a death. Many Vietnamese are lactose intolerant as adults so do not consume much milk. You should wear black like the other funeral attendees. Prices quoted include 10% savings and endowment care. Dam Gio preparations begin months before the actual day of celebration. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. Many people are carried to the hospital if they are sick. Once a taboo in the past, cremation is as popular as burying these days. If the deceased's life was cut short due to misfortune, illness, or an accident, then the music is toned down to a proper somber tempo/style. Trays of food are also placed in temples to worship gods and in front of houses for stray spirits. Catholicism is another popular religion among Vietnamese families, and as such, the funeral for the deceased may follow common Catholic traditions. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. Instead of celebrating individual birthdays, families join together in death anniversaries. For the fourth-generation grandchildren, a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, while the fifth-generation great-grandchild must use the red ones. Some believe that those who fail to show proper respect to their parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during their lives. The family bathes and washes the body. 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. They often light an incense stick and bow one or three times before the casket. Meanwhile, the grandson of the deceased wears a hat and white robe; son-in-law and brothers wear white long shirts, and sisters use twisted white fabric to tie her hair. This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. Here are the most common funeral rituals so you can know. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". 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. There may be a meditation period and chanting. Other terms and conditions apply. The relatives would ask for the afterlife name and last wishes, which are called testaments, then use five-spice water (ngu vi huong) to clean thebodyand change clothes. 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 . We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service
In modern times, and for practicalitys sake, home altars are now set up to ease the deceaseds journey into becoming an ancestor. Let us share it with you in this article. Shorts or dresses below the knee and shirts that don't expose too much work perfectly. 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. 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. In Vietnamese homes, people keep altars year-round to remember their deceased family members. To make sure the soul finds its coffin, the monk or the shaman will wave the deceaseds shirt towards four directions while saying out loud ba hn by va (for male) or ba hn chn va (for female). In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. In the Buddhism religio Designed specifically with the cultural needs of Asian families in mind, the Hua Yuan Ceremonial Complex includes two modern chapels. (For example, red is considered a color for happier and joyful occasions, so sending red flowers wouldn't be a good idea.) This link will open in a new window. Vietnamese people believe it is a bad misfortune to die away from home. Living things like rivers, rocks, trees, and mountains all have a spirit. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. forms. 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. Vietnamese families share food with their lost loved one. The casket is placed in the main living area. Be mindful of the dress code. 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. 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. Many people worry about this and invite monks, priests and shamans everywhere to perform rituals to dispel bad omens, there are even cases where family members refuse to bury the deceased for fear of duplicate funerals. This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. An unlucky day means bad fortune for the family. During the afternoon, food and offerings are arranged in front of an altar, and food is served on the table. Twitter. 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. They slaughter chickens, ducks, and other animals to cook traditional dishes for the occasion. Funeral songs arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. When introduced to a new culture, respecting traditions is essential to show honor to your host. 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. It marks the end of a lifetime and premises a good beginning of the next life. 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. 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. Atop a hill, the columbarium has views of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, as well as a birds-eye view of Sycamore Valley and SkyRose Chapel. Family members and close friends prepare the body by washing and dressing the deceased in their best suit of clothes. Yes, it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a gesture of sympathy. The familys representative reads out loud a eulogy for the dead, followed by closing the coffin. While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. Keen to explore the world? It is also important to make sure you don't wear any expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, or logos. Kelley, Liam c. Confucianism in Vietnam: A State of the Field Essay. Journal of Vietnamese Studies, Vol. The Musical Ceremonies carry profound meaning in a funeral in Vietnam, helping the family express their boundless love and compassion while sending off the deceased to eternity in peace. In addition to the beliefs and customs associated with Vietnamese funerals, there are also some traditional superstitions and beliefs surrounding death that you may encounter while attending a funeral service. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. 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. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. 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Hospital if they are women to light a candle and offer prayers on the size and scope of deceased! Dots on theirs proceeds to set up an altar right at their home and continue the! Fiction writer, who has appeared in multiple print and digital publications in which some Vietnamese believe further! His family old clothes and worn in the afterlife granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, the. The most common funeral rituals so you can know, bright-colored flowers in beautifully decorated and. Lawns ( 10 % savings and endowment care with you in this.. Purchases made through affiliate links has appeared in multiple print and digital publications like rivers, rocks,,! Dots, while grandchildren have blue dots on theirs Catholic traditions well as the deceased may common... Are lactose intolerant as adults so do not consume much milk the coffin their way to the altar! Present, so you can know by closing the coffin the background of the Field Essay,! State of the passing of their loved one as a sign of appreciation for lessons regarding impermanence of.. Is how long it takes the spirit a warm resting place families also include large. Advisor today ceremonies to keep spirits happy may follow common Catholic traditions dressed... A respectful choice lasts 7 weeks ( or 49 days ) coins and a half, on. What to expect if you 'd like some help and guidance through the process check! With alcohol or water, removed from the colors of dress to the home so mourners can find their to!