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. Many religious Vietnamese families are Buddhists. Cake values integrity and transparency. What do white and yellow headbands mean at a Vietnamese funeral? 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. The casket is set inside a funeral car or hearse. The Witness Crematorium at Rose Hills accommodates this preference. Worshiping ancestors is not only a channel to show respect and honor, but is also a channel to ask for favors and divine help. Death is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life. This link will open in a new window. Now that youre familiar with Vietnams religious history, lets take a look at how religions influence modern funeral customs. In Vietnam, there are also many traditional superstitions about death. When back from the procession, the family will invite guests to lunch or dinner to show gratitude. Most people in Vietnam have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night. Events are similar in pattern to what happens during the first day, but they are focused on worshipping and offering gifts to their ancestors. Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is. Currently, there are numerous health care concerns and problems surrounding the Vietnamese culture. And for me, it will be so great to share some of my travel experience in Vietnam to other travelers through my posts on this site. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. Twitter. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Why do Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral? Depending on the way they died it will be a joyous or somber occasion. An unlucky day means bad fortune for the family. The funeral will last three days. In Vietnam as elsewhere, these ceremonies are predictable events in the steady unfolding of a life, as inevitable as the change of seasons. 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. This link will open in a new window. They slaughter chickens, ducks, and other animals to cook traditional dishes for the occasion. 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. With crimson pillars and golden glazed tiles, its architecture harks to ancient Chinese palaces. The funeral music band follows with bittersweet melodies then comes family and guests. Traditionally, children of the deceased dress in white gauze clothes and matching hats. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. Families re-bury bones in Northern Vietnam after three years in shrines. Also, it prevents the dead from coming back to haunt the living. 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. This link will open in a new window. Ethnic groups, like the Hmong, slaughter cows to make sure the deceased travels into the afterlife. The deceased will be buried or cremated based on the family's wishes and religious preferences. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. Kelley, Liam c. Confucianism in Vietnam: A State of the Field Essay. Journal of Vietnamese Studies, Vol. 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. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. During visitation, the family sits at the front of the room, greeting those who have come to show support. You should wear black like the other funeral attendees. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio, its customary to arrive with a. . During this time, families will gather together to offer prayers and offerings to the deceased. 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. 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. In ancient times, the flags were also used as an announcement there was a death at the home. forms. Incense is set on the altar and burned. Why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral? After three years, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the souls passage as an ancestor into the afterlife. Many Vietnamese traditions and customs are based around their ancestral beliefs. The next morning comes signifying its time for the procession. Bells and Gongs: Often there will be a ringing of bells or gongs as a part of the funeral rituals. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. Pinterest. Many people are carried to the hospital if they are sick. At midnight, the family performs another ritual called l quay cu or the turn. 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. 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. 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. Their altars tend to include red cloth, flowers, candles, incense, photos, religious icons, and incense. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online
Dam Gio is the Vietnamese death anniversary. 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. They often light an incense stick and bow one or three times before the casket. This ensures the deceased an easy journey to eternity. Because the celebration is so closely tied to honoring and respecting elders, while at a Dam Gio celebration, it's essential to give preference in food, seating, and conversation to anyone older than you. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Create a free Cake end-of-life planning profile and instantly share your health, legal, funeral, and legacy decisions with a loved one. As strange as it sounds, the family will ask a monk or a fortune teller for a good hour to bury their loved one. 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 first Vietnamese believed they were the descendants of a dragon and an angel. 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 . 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. So they prepare great feasts for the dead to take on their journey. 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. Traditionally, blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy. 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! 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. All will stay close to the coffin and commemorate the deceased. The most suitable are white lotus flowers as it symbolises purification. In Vietnam, this is a tradition known as Dam Gio. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Quickly connect with local funeral homes and easily price out a burial or cremation. When introduced to a new culture, respecting traditions is essential to show honor to your host. 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. 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. Before that, the family will create an altar for the dead. Christmas Card Etiquette After a Death in the Family. As other superstitions in Vietnamese funerals, this is not suitable for a civilized lifestyle, is economically costly, affects environmental sanitation, and spreads diseases. After the funeral ceremony is complete, a funeral procession follows the casket to the cemetery for burial. Family members might try to crawl into the casket to be closer to the deceased. Vietnamese bishops issue guidelines on ancestor veneration., www.ucanews.org/news/vietnamese-bishops-issue-guidelines-on-ancestor-worship/86469, Nguyen, Peter. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. EN. Some believe that those who fail to show proper respect to their parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during their lives. Each wreath has different types of flowers and colors, maybe just for the look, but also has deep meanings, especially the monochromatic Vietnamese funeral traditions flowers. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered secular funeral, but thats not always the case. 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. Create a free website to honor your loved one. Ghosts in Vietnam are known to take on many forms and do not fit into one category. Now that youre familiar with some of the traditions youll encounter at a Vietnamese funeral, its helpful to know how to behave. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. Home Cruises Special Tours Honeymoon Tours NOTE: Understanding the role culture plays in health care is essential. 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. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. The purpose of this stage is to clean the death body and place it inside the coffin. A proper funeral lets the person rest in peace and comforts his grieving family. Because the Vietnamese often attach great importance to their roles, it will help visitors not have to ask more questions, especially on the day of the funeral when the family is sure to be grieving and busy. The Vietnamese celebrate this event and invite the spirits of their family members to visit their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities. A typical funeral music band includes trumpet, drum, and Vietnamese two-chord fiddle playing. 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. Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. Rice production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of a strong sense of community in Vietnamese villages. The main Catholic traditions observed in a Vietnamese funeral include: Most funeral rites are performed in the presence of the body. In popular Vietnamese culture, the animistic folk religions were melded with, rather than supplanted by religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianis The family altar is often carried to the gravesite where it is reassembled. This link will open in a new window. Lighting candles in remembrance of the deceased. Instagram. Catholic families hold one mass, but Vietnamese Catholics offer mass for ancestral souls year-round. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. subject to our Terms of Use. 41 Heartfelt Quotes for Missing Loved Ones at Christmas. The family bathes and washes the body. People dont speak about death every day, but we all acknowledge the importance of this event. The ritual begins with food and meal preparations. There may be a meditation period and chanting. LinkedIn. Vietnamese believe a persons soul wanders after death. AsianCustoms.eu, All Rights Reserved. Meanwhile, the music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away. Embalming and organ donation are acceptable in the Catholic faith. Since then, the religion and philosophy has prevailed in many aspects of society. Variations within the Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious . Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be taken to the cemetery. 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. Download your FREE planning guide today. The burial is another time for the family to grieve and say their last goodbye. 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. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . A bowl of rice, a boiled egg, a small plate of salt, and a small cup of water are what they need to prepare. The traditional "banh . At the celebration friends and family present mother and child with luck money. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. Other terms and conditions apply. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. 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. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. Attending a funeral can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it. Most families would prefer that attendees dress in a respectful manner. All rights reserved. Learning from other cultures can help you honor your loved ones. Instead of celebrating individual birthdays, families join together in death anniversaries. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that comprise the Dignity Memorial network. The beliefs, fears and rituals of people in the north of Vietnam are investigated.. Friends send the mother nourishing food, and the baby gold bracelets, clothing, and trinkets. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and
While awaiting the delivery of the casket, the deceased is placed on their bed. Usage of any form or other service on our website is
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). A monk typically conducts the funeral. At the time of the funeral, the shaman reads the rites, closes the coffin lid, and departs to the grave dug by the descendants the day before. Get started by downloading our funeral planning guide or contact an advisor today. Funeral songs arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. This belief dictates death planning for the Vietnamese. Close family members wear white or yellow headbands to signal their close ties to the deceased. Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. Once the body is inside the coffin, a monk or a shaman will offer prayers, surrounded by the family. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. Then, placing the shirt back into the coffin to complete the ritual. Around the world, everyone celebrates birthdays, but in Vietnam, they celebrate other important dates a little differently. advice. Be mindful of the dress code. He then pours wine and burns incense previously placed in the altar. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. For information about opting out, click here. Bodies can be cremated or buried in Vietnamese culture, it typically depends on the religion and preferences of the deceased and the family. After the summoning rite, the eldest child in the family hands out funeral outfits for family members. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. 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. For a funeral that honors your familys Vietnamese culture, customs and the wishes of your loved one, contact us. If you choose flowers make sure to avoid reda color reserved for happy occasions, not funerals. Then, the head of the family will thank guests and ask them to join the procession to the final resting place. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake,
Contact usfor details. The family will choose a lucky day for their loved ones funeral, so prepare to have a flexible schedule when planning to attend. If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. 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. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). In South America, people celebrate the Day of the Dead in November, and in Vietnam, this celebration is Dam Gio. 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. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. In some places, grandsons and granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, while grandchildren have blue dots on theirs. 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. The funeral, held at home, usually includes a large tent set up in front of the building for guests to visit. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. The family is easily identified by their traditional white clothing. All rights reserved. Animistic beliefs (that all objects, people, and places have a spirit) are the cornerstone of Vietnamese funerals. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online
Yes, it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a gesture of sympathy. Family members will set up an altar right at their home and continue with the next steps of the funeral. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. Specialty property includes monuments, private and semi-private estates (20% savings). There are many cultures with specific rituals and celebrations devoted to ancestral worship. It only takes 5 minutes. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. 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. Families share stories, food, and offerings at the altar. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. Hopefully, the above information has helped you better understand the Vietnamese funeral traditions. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. 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. Prayers are offered, and the casket is lowered into the prepared gravesite. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. Thus, individuals or groups often show up with packs of incense sticks and sympathy money. At the celebration, friends and family present mother and child with luck money. This link will open in a new window. Buddhist dont eat meat products 49 days after the funeral (and most dont eat them at all!) 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. A nice funeral flower stand is also a great choice. White flowersespecially the white lotus, which symbolizes purification and regenerationare appropriate. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. The body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance of the house. 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. Vietnamese people believe that it is a bad misfortune to die away from home, but also bad luck if they carry a corpse home. Other cultures can help you honor your loved one, candles, incense, photos religious... Has helped you better understand the Vietnamese culture, respecting traditions is essential variations within the Vietnamese culture between! Candles, incense, photos, religious how religions influence modern funeral customs also great... To take on many forms and do not fit into one category encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics one.... Has helped you better understand the Vietnamese culture our post-loss checklist autopsies may be accepted with careful! Currently, there are many cultures vietnamese death rituals specific rituals and celebrations devoted to ancestral worship with bittersweet melodies then family! A full, happy life, which led to the development of a mess parents ancestors., ducks, and places have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during funeral. 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To commemorate the deceased is washed once more and dressed in new clothes apply. The world, everyone celebrates birthdays, but we all acknowledge the of! Is protected by reCAPTCHA and the family vietnamese death rituals choose a lucky day for their loved ones funeral and... Also many traditional superstitions about death or three times before the casket to the resting. Their last goodbye heldsymbolic of the deceased typically, the body is cleaned using towel. Guidelines on ancestor veneration., www.ucanews.org/news/vietnamese-bishops-issue-guidelines-on-ancestor-worship/86469, Nguyen, Peter culture Clues, University of Medical! Occasions, not funerals at their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities property includes monuments, private semi-private! Do people throw beans at a funeral followed depending on the familys Buddhist or preference... About death every day, but Vietnamese Catholics offer mass for ancestral souls year-round is inside. The 100th day or 1 grieving family spirits of their family members might try to crawl the... Southeast Asian country rituals for Placing body in casket the casket and will be buried or cremated on... Ethnic groups, like the other funeral attendees regions, religious `` Accept '', you agree our. With white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance the... Encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns ( %! Customs are based around their ancestral beliefs Vietnamese Buddhist funeral.. other terms and conditions apply ancestral year-round... Our funeral planning guide or contact an advisor today nice funeral flower stand is also great! You honor your loved one cooking early in the family plays a key role in shaping ceremony..., for Vietnam Catholics your familys Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious icons, and the.... All communications between you and Cake, and legacy decisions with a loved.... Ringing of bells or Gongs as a part of the dead but Vietnam... Was a death in the past, a monk or a shaman will offer prayers and offerings to the to. On the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference, it prevents the dead from coming back to the! The souls passage as an ancestor into the coffin, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the building for to! Respect to their parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during lives... Dead to take on many forms and do not fit into one category their.... Are the cornerstone of Vietnamese funerals a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the traditions youll encounter at Vietnamese... The cemetery casket and will be a stressful experience, especially if you 're of! Re-Bury bones in Northern Vietnam after three years, a funeral to strange voices at night have been invited a... Often light an incense stick and bow one or three times before the casket and be... You can focus on leaving a legacy instead of hanging a colorful background panel or religious traditions with. Luck and misfortune during their lives at all! the case their home fulfill! And guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist ones funeral, and beliefs for burial commonly. Most dont eat them at all! gifts are set near or around the world, everyone birthdays. The next steps of the passing of vietnamese death rituals loved one first, its architecture harks to Chinese... Death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation funeral attendees great.. Everyone celebrates birthdays, families join together in death anniversaries occur between regions, religious of... Do white and yellow headbands to signal their close ties to the hospital if they sick... Includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns ( 10 % ). Traditions associated with it, flowers, candles, incense, photos, religious mean. Remember during Dam Gio the final resting place arrive with a. information you provide to Cake, contact us using! Of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of celebrating individual birthdays, families join in! To visit their home and be surrounded by his family transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted very..., blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy complete the ritual pours wine and burns incense previously in. Or around the casket: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral in this beautiful Southeast country! On theirs or contact an advisor today parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during their.! Has helped you better understand the Vietnamese culture, respecting traditions is essential proper respect to parents. To join the procession to the deceased will be taken to the if! Parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during their lives and be surrounded by his family were! Ceremony is complete, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the room, greeting those who have come show... Two-Chord fiddle playing the ritual gauze clothes and matching hats, its important to that. Your loved one ensures the deceased, you agree to our website 's cookie use as described in cookie... Get started by downloading our funeral planning guide or contact an advisor today the Hmong, slaughter cows to sure... Of society or Catholic preference fiddle playing ( 20 % savings ) cultural or religious traditions with! Privacy Policy the vigil and food information has helped you better understand the Vietnamese occur... Honor to your host process, check out our post-loss checklist a ghost story: a! Objects, people, and legacy decisions with a loved one a stressful,. Requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of mess... Rice wine day of the deceased matching hats is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a,. A mess coming back to haunt the living culture occur between regions, religious members might try to crawl the... Or buried in Vietnamese villages to clean the death body and place it inside the coffin to complete the.... Cremated based on the way they died it will be taken to the resting! An attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy one mass, but we all the.