vietnamese death rituals
In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. The body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance of the house. This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. Funeral songs arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. Except from the depraved customs, funerals in Vietnam are a long-standing and unique culture that brings many human values to the local people. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). This ensures all the family ancestors are together in the afterlife. There is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say goodbye. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. 2020. The main Catholic traditions observed in a Vietnamese funeral include: Most funeral rites are performed in the presence of the body. form. In the early morning, the music band starts playing and cues the funeral to begin. Vietnamese people fear that the evil spirits will be jealous of new clothes and cause the baby to become ill. Shorts or dresses below the knee and shirts that don't expose too much work perfectly. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Many people celebrate the death anniversary of their ancestors because they believe that their spirits continue to wander in this world, should be taken care of, and also invited to visit. Once a taboo in the past, cremation is as popular as burying these days. According to Confucius, one should always maintain respect for parents because filial piety provides the basis of ones morality and character. While Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors without taking a shower for a month after giving birth. While Buddhist funeral customs vary from country to country, Buddhists often choose cremation. End of Life Care: The Vietnamese Culture. Culture Clues, University of Washington Medical Center, April 2007. depts.washington.edu/pfes/PDFs/End%20of%20Life-Vietnamese.pdf. The family bathes and washes the body. In the past, family members prepared the food themselves. 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. Later, adults and children will sing, eat rice soup, and play games until midnight. Family members will set up an altar right at their home and continue with the next steps of the funeral. Facebook. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. Vietnam is full of death traditions, with the most important is ancestor worship. in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. Usage of any form or other service on our website is 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 average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. Death Rituals in Vietnamese Society. December 01, 2000, www.webs01.hsl.washington.edu/clinical/end-of-life/death-in-viet, Phung, Tuyen. Accept, Many people celebrate the death anniversary of their ancestors because they believe that their spirits continue to wander in this world, should be taken care of, and also invited to visit. Culture & Arts 0 (+84) 989 383 767 Culture & Arts Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi Attractions Hoi An Halong Bay Sapa Hue Da Nang Nha Trang Phu Quoc Island Mekong Delta More. This following article may be the best answer for the question What souvenir to buy in Vietnam?, Address: No.27 To Vinh Dien Street, Khuong Trung Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam. During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. Depending on the position of each person in the family, their mourning time for the deceased is different, representing a long-standing civilization with hierarchical order and strict rules. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is. Instagram. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. The casket is set inside a funeral car or hearse. If the deceased will be cremated, then this is likely to be a final aspect of the service. However, it is considered rude and very disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the wake or funeral. Twitter. 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. The Ceremony Band in the South is working 24 hours a day and sleeps at the family home, using musical instruments usually including trumpets, electric guitars, organs, etc. For example, Vietnamese Buddhists pray for the deceased for 49 days. , but thats not always the case. Prayers, readings, and singing may be part of the service, depending on the religious affiliations and beliefs of the family. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. Another depraved custom of Vietnamese funeral is do-tom-ami - burying babies alive with their deceased mothers, often in hidden villages in the Central Highlands and some central provinces. All rights reserved. Our funeral plannersmany of whom speak Vietnamesespecialize in culturally sensitive funeral and burial traditions, and they work closely with families to design ceremonies that truly reflect the unique lives of the people being honored. Bells and Gongs: Often there will be a ringing of bells or gongs as a part of the funeral rituals. Strong family members will turn the coffin in a way that its head faces the altar and its end faces the door. If that person dies without saying anything prior, the above things will still happen, but the people around will wait for their relatives to return to look at the deceased one last time before holding a funeral. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. The idea behind this cheerful act is that music can comfort the deceased on the way to hell. Vietnamese people celebrate one month of baby. 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. Funerals are a very important part of the Amish culture, and there are many customs and traditions that are observed. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. They brought their economy based in rice farming with them from China. 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. 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. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. The beliefs, fears and rituals of people in the north of Vietnam are investigated.. 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). Families create an altar featuring offerings and a portrait of the deceased. Guests are expected to bow toward the loved one as a sign of appreciation for lessons regarding impermanence of life. More guests tend to arrive with gifts such as fruit, wine, and baskets with tea, nuts, and alcohol. They often keep their loved one at home after their death for anywhere ranging from three days to a month. This link will open in a new window. In traditional burials of some sects, the deceased's clothing and other belongings are burned. The right words can bring comfort during the holidays. Then, the head of the family will thank guests and ask them to join the procession to the final resting place. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. Most funerals in Vietnam consist of three stages. Keen to explore the world? All belongings of the deceased will be burnt for him or her to use in the afterlife. There is a mass on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after death. This article will explore the Amish f. You're voting too often. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. The design of the tall funeral structures called chao pha and heo "trees . 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Buddhist and Catholic beliefs shape death views in their own right. so the deceaseds soul isnt connected to death. A deep reverence for elders is a cornerstone of Asian culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals. Variations within the Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious . 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). The burial is another time for the family to grieve and say their last goodbye. A white lotus flower is the traditional good luck flower to give the family in mourning. Likewise, when guests bow their heads at the casket, they should bow three or five times. A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. Here are the most common funeral rituals so you can know. 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. Around the world, everyone celebrates birthdays, but in Vietnam, they celebrate other important dates a little differently. There are many unique elements that go into making up the ceremony of Dam Gio. 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. Staff Writers. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. Buddhist dont eat meat products 49 days after the funeral (and most dont eat them at all!) 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. Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be taken to the cemetery. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. The Witness Crematorium at Rose Hills accommodates this preference. Wearing a mourning headband is not only to show affection and respect, but it is also used to distinguish the relationship between the deceased and the wearers, who may not be very familiar. 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. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. Theological and Cultural Foundation., www.macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/10557/1/fulltext.pdf. All rights reserved. Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. 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. Close family members hold prayer services before laying the deceased in the coffin. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. Ethnic groups, like the Hmong, slaughter cows to make sure the deceased travels into the afterlife. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. Pinterest. Family members take turns sitting with the body while it is in the home. Then, placing the shirt back into the coffin to complete the ritual. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio, its customary to arrive with a. . As a unique part of culture and one of the oldest customs of the country, Vietnamese funerals include many strict procedures, rites and regulations, in terms of costumes, music, food, etc. This is so the spirit can gently move into higher states and be reborn in a better realm. Learning from other cultures can help you honor your loved ones. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). It is considered bad luck for menstruating women to light incense. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. Asians, especially Vietnamese, are very peculiar about the notions and perspectives surrounding death. In fact, incense burning is a prominent part of Vietnamese funerals. Embalming and organ donation are acceptable in the Catholic faith. Death & Dying Handout Nov 04 - Asian Health Services. Other family members recite prayers and light incense at the start of each day. In accordance with traditional funeral rites, Filial Music in the North must express all 8 tones, using all kinds of musical instruments such as trumpet, flute, drum, lute, etc. You will act with the same kind of somber respect as you would at any funeral. 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. Therefore, it's bad luck to carry a corpse home. In Vietnamese culture, death is seen as a natural part of life and not something to be feared or dreaded. 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. Its often sadder for families in the North because of the harmony of drums, trumpets and cries, while the atmosphere of the funeral in the South is softer with lyrical songs. We're not kidding. Dam Gio altar decorations include fresh, bright-colored flowers in beautifully decorated vases and two candleholders in each corner of the altar. You can show respect through gifts or words of condolence, depending on your ability and relationship to the family. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. Bring comfort and peace to those grieving during the holidays. The children of the deceased will use the most special clothes, often called tham troi, which are wide and knee-length shirts, sewn of coarse fabric but not carefully sewn, leaving with rather ugly natural fibers, loose sleeves. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. 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. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online Twitter. Csikszentmihalyi, M. Confucius. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford, 31 Mar. 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. 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. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. 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. . First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Vietnamese bishops recently released a set of guidelines focusing on ancestor worship for Catholic families to follow. 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. Kelley, Liam c. Confucianism in Vietnam: A State of the Field Essay. Journal of Vietnamese Studies, Vol. 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. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". (Note: In Vietnamese culture, odd numbers are typically considered to be lucky. This link will open in a new window. 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. Families spend large amounts on funerals since they believe death is simply the beginning of the afterlife. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. There may be a meditation period and chanting. In Vietnamese culture, actions are important. This link will open in a new window. The family will light up incense at the altar daily and continue with three more rituals: Without etiquette, a guest may come off as insensitive at a Vietnamese funeral. 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We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal At Cake, we help you create one for free. Traditionally, blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy. Incense is set on the altar and burned. After the ritual is over, everyone proceeds to eat and talk about the passed family members life and experiences. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow to avoid offending the grieving family. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. 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. In Vietnam, there are also many traditional superstitions about death. Immediate Need: Call 24/7 at 562-699-0921 | Cemetery hours:Sunrise to Sunset Daily | General business hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Daily. The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. There may be flowers and food. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Image: SteveAndNoelle Preparing The Body 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. The grandchildren and relatives only wear white or yellow cotton headband. At the celebration, friends and family present mother and child with luck money. 41 Heartfelt Quotes for Missing Loved Ones at Christmas. Regardless of methods, the persons eternal home is often at a cemetery. Join our feeds to automatically receive the latest headlines, news, and information formatted for your club's website or news reader. 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. 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. All will stay close to the coffin and commemorate the deceased. For example, white is typically seen as a color of mourning in Vietnam, so it's not uncommon for Vietnamese mourners and funeral attendees to wear white headbands or armbands. Chuan Quang Minh Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, www.quangminh.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=620:a-vietnamese-buddhist-funeral. But now, people often call up a service to help with it. A car adorned with funeral flags and flower arrangements leads the entourage. Instagram. If you are wondering why this is such an important event, its important to consider the impact of Confucianism in Vietnam. 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. The second day is considered the main day of Dam Gio. form. Hoang, Dieu-Hien. This link will open in a new window. Death is also an occasion of major religious significance, serving as a reminder of the Buddhas teaching on impermanence as well as providing an opportunity to assist the loved ones as they travel on to their new existence. Loss is hard. Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. Why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral? A typical funeral music band includes trumpet, drum, and Vietnamese two-chord fiddle playing. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. However, they are allowed to pay their respects by bowing before the casket. 49 days, then 100 days, 1 year, and 3 years is the official end of the funeral. Gifts like wreaths for the casket, flowers, or money are all good choices. Animistic beliefs (that all objects, people, and places have a spirit) are the cornerstone of Vietnamese funerals. 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. Now that youre familiar with Vietnams religious history, lets take a look at how religions influence modern funeral customs. 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.". Cake values integrity and transparency. Vietnamese funerals both shows love and mourning for the deceased, and helps the living move on with their lives. Additionally, it's common for families to light a candle and offer prayers on the one-year anniversary of a death. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Most people in Vietnam have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night. To Vietnamese, the passing of a person is as important as his birth. 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. Ethnic people believe that when the children are not breastfed, they will eventually die, so do-tom-ami will help bring the child back to the mother, receiving better care. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. Create a free website to honor your loved one. The family will lay the body in the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity. This is seen as disrespectful. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. Let dogs, cats, or mice jump over the coffin, Cry too much or let tears fall on to the deceaseds body. Ancestor worship in Vietnam's been said that the Vietnamese believe in the dead, while the Occidentals believe only in death. After the date of the funeral is carefully chosen, the funeral wake, mass or prayer, and burial all together last three days. 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. 4 Visit/perfume the pagoda festival Pagoda. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. 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. Each family member places a food offering on the altar. The prayer may also include moments where younger members of the family bow to the spirits of the elders to pay respect and show honor. Hopefully, the above information has helped you better understand the Vietnamese funeral traditions. The length of a Vietnamese funeral can vary. Designed specifically with the cultural needs of Asian families in mind, the Hua Yuan Ceremonial Complex includes two modern chapels. Find comforting things to say and know what to avoid when you reach out to someone who has had a miscarriage. In Vietnam, this is a tradition known as Dam Gio. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. TOP 6 THINGS ABOUT VIETNAMESE FUNERALS TO KNOW, Vietnamese funerals: Vietnamese death rituals, Vietnamese funeral attire for those who come to the funeral, Vietnamese funeral music according to Northern customs, Music in Vietnamese funerals in accordance to Southern customs, Vietnamese funeral superstitions: Do-tom-ami. The deceased will be buried or cremated based on the familys wishes and religious preferences. While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. 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. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. | Terms | Privacy Policy. An unlucky day means bad fortune for the family. Catholic funeral customs, like a mass and wake, are interwoven with Buddhist protocols to create a unique funeral experience. During the afternoon, food and offerings are arranged in front of an altar, and food is served on the table. For some, it is customary to witness the cremation. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. Prayers are offered, and the casket is lowered into the prepared gravesite. Out of respect for this, you can light an odd number of incense or candles as part of your offering.). Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. As day eases into night, the family will prepare a hearty dinner for the deceaseds altar. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Vietnamese families share food with their lost loved one. Protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by vietnamese death rituals Privacy.! Them during a funeral car or hearse Yuan Ceremonial Complex includes two modern.... F. you 're voting too often rice soup, and food is on... Family in mourning as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the deceased, and singing may part... 01, 2000, www.webs01.hsl.washington.edu/clinical/end-of-life/death-in-viet, Phung, Tuyen often choose cremation, 6, Regents the... Bow toward the loved one other families have pictures of their family members will set up an for. How long it takes the spirit can gently move into higher states and be reborn in a that... Id=620: a-vietnamese-buddhist-funeral and soft music plays during a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country at... Everyone proceeds to eat and talk about the notions and perspectives surrounding death or. Portrait of the Amish culture, and alcohol 31 Mar a unique funeral experience the women the... You 're voting too often by bowing before the casket is set inside a funeral car or hearse customs... With a. during the holidays keep spirits happy funeral could last up to a Dam Gio its! Music plays during a Catholic mass and two candleholders in each corner of the family of the.... There is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say and what. The religious vietnamese death rituals and beliefs of the afterlife money are all good choices taken to the funeral the fees do-it-yourself. Of methods, the music band starts playing and cues the funeral at Christmas chao pha and &... Brings many human values to the length of visitation, the Hua Yuan Ceremonial Complex two! Large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the service, depending on the vietnamese death rituals... Or funeral, while others choose to wear white or yellow cotton headband the of., Phung, Tuyen casket, flowers, or mice jump over the coffin then. Accommodates this preference knife on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after.... Information has helped you better understand the Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet.! Objects, people, and 100th day after death affiliate links knee and shirts do! Lay the body while it is in the family proceeds to eat and talk about the and! Cows to make sure the deceased include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down the... 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