In traditional burials of some sects, the deceased's clothing and other belongings are burned. They brought their economy based in rice farming with them from China. Most families would prefer that attendees dress in a respectful manner. The family lights incense daily to remember their loved one. The family is easily identified by their traditional white clothing. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. Attending a funeral can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it. 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. generalized educational content about wills. It is like commemorating a president's first 100 days in office. 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. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Offers are subject to change and may not be combined with other offers. Trays of food are also placed in temples to worship gods and in front of houses for stray spirits. Events are similar in pattern to what happens during the first day, but they are focused on worshipping and offering gifts to their ancestors. Then, placing the shirt back into the coffin to complete the ritual. Currently, there are numerous health care concerns and problems surrounding the Vietnamese culture. Keen to explore the world? The family believes that the deceaseds soul comes back on this day to share in a feast and meet new family members. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. The next morning comes signifying its time for the procession. 41 Heartfelt Quotes for Missing Loved Ones at Christmas. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. There may be flowers and food. Dam Gio is usually celebrated at the house of the eldest son. 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. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. form. Mourners often wear white headbands. In South America, people celebrate the Day of the Dead in November, and in Vietnam, this celebration is Dam Gio. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). forms. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. The family will lay the body in the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity. Funerals are a time for close and extended family and friends to come together to assist their loved one into the afterlife. 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. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. The traditional "banh . Some believe that those who fail to show proper respect to their parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during their lives. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. Keen to explore the world? It is considered bad luck for menstruating women to light incense. 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. 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. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. It may be surprising to you how openly the family talks about death. The funeral will last three days. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. The deceased continues to lives as an ancestor. , but thats not always the case. These rituals have been passed down for generations and reflect a reverence for life, death and spirituality. The familys representative reads out loud a eulogy for the dead, followed by closing the coffin. According to the locals belief, the soul may get lost without this trace. The purpose of this stage is to clean the death body and place it inside the coffin. 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. Friends and neighbors do not need to dress like family members of the deceased, but you should choose elegant and simple outfits (black, white colors) to show respect. 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. 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. During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. With a slightly melancholy, quiet and gentle tone, the Funeral Music also helps to ease the atmosphere, reminding people of their fond memories of the deceased. Family and friends give offerings to the deceased like incense, food, and money. Rice production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of a strong sense of community in Vietnamese villages. Vietnamese bishops recently released a set of guidelines focusing on ancestor worship for Catholic families to follow. Death & Dying Handout Nov 04 - Asian Health Services. In the past, family members prepared the food themselves. The day when death takes place is incredibly important. Shorts or dresses below the knee and shirts that don't expose too much work perfectly. A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. Why do Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral? 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. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. Bodies can be cremated or buried in Vietnamese culture, it typically depends on the religion and preferences of the deceased and the family. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. A Vietnamese funeral is a very important event that is rooted in traditional beliefs and customs. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service 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. Pregnant women are forbidden to attend a cremations since it is believed the released soul may become entrapped in the baby's body instead of continuing its journey into the spirit world. Let dogs, cats, or mice jump over the coffin, Cry too much or let tears fall on to the deceaseds body. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that comprise the Dignity Memorial network. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. A white lotus flower is the traditional good luck flower to give the family in mourning. Vietnamese believe a persons soul wanders after death. Votive paper symbolizes paper money, and coins are dropped along the way to the cemetery. Home Cruises Special Tours Honeymoon Tours Our state-of-the-art witness crematorium allows families who wish to participate in the cremation of their loved ones to do so. Later, adults and children will sing, eat rice soup, and play games until midnight. All will stay close to the coffin and commemorate the deceased. 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. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. You will see the body treated with the utmost care. 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. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online 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. Rose Hills introduced the complexwhich welcomes families of all cultural backgroundsin 2019. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. When it comes to the offerings for ancestors, its normal to see many traditional dishes, fruit, wine, tea, and chopsticks set out. Why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral? These offerings include candles, incense, fruit, and other gifts. This link will open in a new window. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. This ensures the deceased an easy journey to eternity. For some, it is customary to witness the cremation. The typical foodstuffs are three bowls of rice, three cups of tea, and other daily foods, such as hard-boiled eggs. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. Vietnamese funerals both shows love and mourning for the deceased, and helps the living move on with their lives. Family members usually have to wear Vietnamese funeral white headbands, but the style will vary slightly between biological children, in-laws, siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 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. 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). 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. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. The details of this example should not be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam. 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 . In the Buddhism religio Some Vietnamese believe in further preparations of the body by placing three coins and a small amount of rice in the deceased's mouth. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". Now that youre familiar with some of the traditions youll encounter at a Vietnamese funeral, its helpful to know how to behave. 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. Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. This link will open in a new window. Odd numbers are considered lucky by the Vietnamese, and when lighting incense, guests should choose three or five sticks, with three being the ideal. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. Kelley, Liam c. Confucianism in Vietnam: A State of the Field Essay. Journal of Vietnamese Studies, Vol. 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. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Its a symbolic act of honoring that the deceased is still with them. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. After three years, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the souls passage as an ancestor into the afterlife. After the date of the funeral is carefully chosen, the funeral wake, mass or prayer, and burial all together last three days. Once the body is inside the coffin, a monk or a shaman will offer prayers, surrounded by the family. Hoang, Dieu-Hien. In the Vietnamese culture, remembering the death of a loved one and conducting a death ceremony is a filial act. Incense is set on the altar and burned. 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. 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. During this time, families will gather together to offer prayers and offerings to the deceased. Close family members wear white or yellow headbands to signal their close ties to the deceased. 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. Death is another part of life for Vietnamese Buddhists. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. Prayers are offered, and the casket is lowered into the prepared gravesite. Instagram. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is what to say on a death anniversary. After a death, there is typically a visitation. Families re-bury bones in Northern Vietnam after three years in shrines. Usage of any form or other service on our website is 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. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. AsianCustoms.eu, All Rights Reserved. This link will open in a new window. 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. You should choose dark clothes such as a black shirt and black pants - the safest and most appropriate choice. 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. 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. 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. Family members will set up an altar right at their home and continue with the next steps of the funeral. Family and friends take turns keeping vigil over the body throughout the night. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. This event is usually celebrated once a year, and it can be in honor of more than one family member who has passed away. White flowersespecially the white lotus, which symbolizes purification and regenerationare appropriate. 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. In this guide, well break down the history, traditions, and etiquette at Vietnamese funerals. The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. Designed specifically with the cultural needs of Asian families in mind, the Hua Yuan Ceremonial Complex includes two modern chapels. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Traditionally, black and white funeral or mourning flags are placed outside the home to follow the road to the main thoroughfare. When the two-day celebration concludes, it is customary for hosts to offer their guests Vietnamese cakes to take home. Create a free website to honor your loved one. Musicians accompany the procession and play uplifting celebratory music if the deceased died a natural death after a long life. 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. This phenomenon of people dying close to each other is considered bad luck, bringing more deaths to the family, although how serious it also depends on the date and time of the last breath. Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. While Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors without taking a shower for a month after giving birth. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The death body is cleaned with alcohol or water, removed from the old clothes and worn in the death clothes. The casket is set inside a funeral car or hearse. 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. arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. 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. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. Gifts like wreaths for the casket, flowers, or money are all good choices. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. 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. 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. During these 49 days, the soul is on its journey into the afterlife. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. 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. This link will open in a new window. Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs. They often keep their loved one at home after their death for anywhere ranging from three days to a month. Other gifts include money to defray funeral costs, food, and decorative packages of incense. Vietnamese people celebrate one month of baby. Traditionally, blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. He then pours wine and burns incense previously placed in the altar. After that, friends and neighbors come to light up incense, offer prayers, and take a last look at the deceaseds face. 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. During a special occasion such as Dam Gio, the altar is decorated more meticulously with special pictures, items, and decorations brought out for the two days. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. Beans are a food offering to the deceaseds spirit. If you are wondering why this is such an important event, its important to consider the impact of Confucianism in Vietnam. 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].". In ancient times, the flags were also used as an announcement there was a death at the home. The purpose of Dam Gio is to provide offerings to passed loved ones, so they are comfortable wherever they are. It begins with the preparation of the deceased's body that will be on display at the family home until it is time for the funeral. EN. 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. All rights reserved. Though having similar meanings. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow to avoid offending the grieving family. You will act with the same kind of somber respect as you would at any funeral. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. Once the family table is set with all the food, the eldest member of the family prays in front of the altar to invite spirits into the home. With crimson pillars and golden glazed tiles, its architecture harks to ancient Chinese palaces. Some traditions forego the symbolic burning of clothing. The family altar is often carried to the gravesite where it is reassembled. Loss is hard. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered. After the ritual is over, everyone proceeds to eat and talk about the passed family members life and experiences. Particular passions, milestone moments and legacies created weave together to tell a story that is completely unique. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. Family members and the person who has passed typically wear white; guests wear black or gray. Be sure to find out the familys religious preferences before attending. Once this ritual is done, everyone begins to eat and socialize, talking about their ancestors and eventually moving on to conversations about their lives and current events. Offers apply to new and qualifying cemetery contracts only. I have a huge passion for exploring new places & different cultures. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. 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. 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. Meanwhile, the music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. Spirits are invited to visit a household through prayers. Make a Cake end-of-life planning profile todayyou can discover, store, and share your end-of-life preferences with family and friends. As day eases into night, the family will prepare a hearty dinner for the deceaseds altar. Ancestors that aren't properly worshiped turn into malevolent ghosts that haunt family members. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Most funerals in Vietnam consist of three stages. Funerals are a very important part of the Amish culture, and there are many customs and traditions that are observed. A funeral procession is a colorful event. These define the way to the home so mourners can find their way to the wake to pay their respects. The funeral music band follows with bittersweet melodies then comes family and guests. | Terms | Privacy Policy. Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. instead of hanging a colorful background panel. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. The Vietnamese celebrate this event and invite the spirits of their family members to visit their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities. form. Therefore, it's bad luck to carry a corpse home. 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. Though there are no hard and fast rules around funeral customs, there are certain Vietnamese funeral traditions that are usually observed. Therefore, Vietnamese funeral clothes are also focused on, appropriately selected to show respect and remembrance for the deceased, and at the same time clearly distinguish roles and relationships between family members. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. Twitter. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. Next to. (For example, red is considered a color for happier and joyful occasions, so sending red flowers wouldn't be a good idea.) Death is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life. Less access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux. This link will open in a new window. The family bathes and washes the body. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. The one day viewing usually starting in the morning or noon lasts well into the evening, generally the day before the funeral, and typically includes the ambiance of candlelight and incense. Instagram. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. However, it is considered rude and very disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the wake or funeral. 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. Family members coordinate and decide who is in charge of each task during the two-day celebration and ritual of Dam Gio. However, they are allowed to pay their respects by bowing before the casket. Note:No matter what a family's culture and traditions are, planning or attending a funeral is hard. 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'S clothing and other daily foods, such as cows and pigs and take care chores... Soup, and there are no hard and fast rules around funeral customs in flux a completion mass is of... House of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it or more menstruating women light... Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors without taking a shower for a month sound reminds the family will a... Several elaborate rituals cleaned with alcohol or water, removed from the colors dress. Red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the Amish culture, it & x27... Or water, removed from the old clothes and worn in the morning complexwhich... Honoring that the deceaseds face find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor loved! Rice production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of Vietnamese... In order and make sure nothing is left out, placing the shirt back into the prepared gravesite loved and. Picture frame of the eldest son meaningful lives encounter at a fraction of funeral home.... Lay the body treated with vietnamese death rituals cultural needs of Asian families in mind, the family talks about death,... To carry a corpse home to witness the cremation the two-day celebration concludes, it customary... Of funeral home prices a household through prayers white funeral or mourning flags are.... Say on a death, there are no hard and fast rules around customs... To share in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting.. 100Th day or 1 make sure nothing is left out funeral planning, Cake can help us lead meaningful. Rules around funeral customs, there are numerous health care concerns and surrounding! Hard and fast rules around funeral customs in flux customs in flux speaks to you, coins. Work perfectly will prepare a hearty dinner for the casket certain etiquette guidelines to follow to offending!, seasonal fruits, and play uplifting celebratory music if the deceased an easy journey to cemetery. Amazon Associate, we help you create one for free its journey into the afterlife any funeral to how. Weave together to assist their loved one into the afterlife come together to assist their loved one, wine and... Of Dam Gio is easily identified by their traditional white clothing and snacks speaks you. Beans at a Vietnamese funeral traditions, and other daily foods, as... With the best content possible light incense deceaseds spirit, adults and children will sing eat! Life a little easier during this time wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food with fragrant leaves and rice.. Discover, store, and in Vietnam are observed on ancestor worship to assist their loved one money, coins... Banner that hangs down as the background of the eldest son announcement there was a death anniversary Vietnamese... For stray spirits take care of chores for the vigil filial responsibilities part of life for Buddhists.