This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. For example, Vietnamese Buddhists pray for the deceased for 49 days. form. 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. There is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say goodbye. 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. 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. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. This link will open in a new window. Rose Hills introduced the complexwhich welcomes families of all cultural backgroundsin 2019. Rose Hills associates speak many languages, including English and Vietnamese, and are well-versed in Vietnamese cultural traditions. What do white and yellow headbands mean at a Vietnamese funeral? 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. 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. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. You will see the body treated with the utmost care. forms. Living things like rivers, rocks, trees, and mountains all have a spirit. While Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors without taking a shower for a month after giving birth. The deceased will be buried or cremated based on the familys wishes and religious preferences. Staff Writers. If the deceased is to be cremated, the procession route is to the crematory where family members stand vigil while the body is cremated. In traditional burials of some sects, the deceased's clothing and other belongings are burned. 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. Also, it prevents the dead from coming back to haunt the living. Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Its a way to show respect and mourn their loved one. 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. Hi, my name is Bich, and I do love traveling a lot. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. Twitter. If you choose flowers make sure to avoid reda color reserved for happy occasions, not funerals. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Cremating the deceased cremation is the preferred method of disposition at a Buddhist funeral as the physical body is believed to hold little significance, The burning of incense at the altar of the deceased, Singing or chanting different sutras (prayers), Bringing offerings to the person who has passed away (such as incense, fruits, food, or candles), Displaying photographs and memorabilia of the deceased for mourners to pay their respects (usually placed around an altar). Bring comfort and peace to those grieving during the holidays. Knowing what to expect can help those attending or participating in a German funeral service to better understand and appreciate the solemn event. In the Vietnamese culture, remembering the death of a loved one and conducting a death ceremony is a filial act. White flowersespecially the white lotus, which symbolizes purification and regenerationare appropriate. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. First, the family will offer a simple meal to the deceaseds altar. Families spend large amounts on funerals since they believe death is simply the beginning of the afterlife. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal
Vietnamese bishops issue guidelines on ancestor veneration., www.ucanews.org/news/vietnamese-bishops-issue-guidelines-on-ancestor-worship/86469, Nguyen, Peter. Dam Gio altar decorations include fresh, bright-colored flowers in beautifully decorated vases and two candleholders in each corner of the altar. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. Each has a catering kitchen, dining room and courtyard with a ceremonial burner. The casket is placed in the main living area. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. Death Rituals & Traditions Around the Globe. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. Mourners often wear white headbands. AsianCustoms.eu, All Rights Reserved. If the family has an altar, it is decorated with photos of the deceased and flowers. The family lights incense daily to remember their loved one. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. More guests tend to arrive with gifts such as fruit, wine, and baskets with tea, nuts, and alcohol. During this time, the worshiping ceremony (le cau sieu) - one of the most important Vietnamese funeral rituals, is held every week until the seventh week, i.e. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake,
They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. All belongings of the deceased will be burnt for him or her to use in the afterlife. The burial is another time for the family to grieve and say their last goodbye. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. After the ritual is over, everyone proceeds to eat and talk about the passed family members life and experiences. Because the celebration is so closely tied to honoring and respecting elders, while at a Dam Gio celebration, its essential to give preference in food, seating, and conversation to anyone older than you. There are many unique elements that go into making up the ceremony of Dam Gio. Buddhist Death Rituals and End of Life Traditions, Buddhists believe that a person goes through a process called samsara, or reincarnation at death. Most Vietnamese are Buddhist; other religious preferences include Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, and Chinese Confucianism. The grieving process is a. For information about opting out, click here. At the celebration, friends and family present mother and child with luck money. During visitation, the family sits at the front of the room, greeting those who have come to show support. Learning from other cultures can help you honor your loved ones. Meanwhile, the H'mong ethnic people in Ho Mit Commune, Tan Uyen District, Lai Chau Province also have a depraved Vietnamese funeral custom that needed to be changed. This link will open in a new window. 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. At the heart of Hua Yuan is an elegant reception area that showcases the elements of water, sun and air. During this time, families will gather together to offer prayers and offerings to the deceased. 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. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is what to say on a death anniversary. Meanwhile, a family member will block off evil spirits by marking each corner of the coffin with a knife. 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. For the fourth-generation grandchildren, a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, while the fifth-generation great-grandchild must use the red ones. Family and friends take turns keeping vigil over the body throughout the night. Christmas Card Etiquette After a Death in the Family. Likewise, when guests bow their heads at the casket, they should bow three or five times. advice. Vietnamese people believe that it is a bad misfortune to die away from home, but also bad luck if they carry a corpse home. 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). Its a symbolic act of honoring that the deceased is still with them. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. Once a taboo in the past, cremation is as popular as burying these days. The mood remains somber. Most people in Vietnam have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night. In Vietnam as elsewhere, these ceremonies are predictable events in the steady unfolding of a life, as inevitable as the change of seasons. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service
Vietnamese believe a persons soul wanders after death. The main Catholic traditions observed in a Vietnamese funeral include: Most funeral rites are performed in the presence of the body. 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. Vietnamese funerals have different etiquette customs you might not encounter in the U.S. For the burial, its appropriate to wear white or black depending on your relationship to the deceased. Funerals are a very important part of the Amish culture, and there are many customs and traditions that are observed. Offers are subject to change and may not be combined with other offers. It's typically celebrated on the same day as the deceased's death. There is a mass on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after death. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). Vietnamese people believe it is a bad misfortune to die away from home. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. Since then, the religion and philosophy has prevailed in many aspects of society. Before that, the family will create an altar for the dead. A funeral procession is a colorful event. In the past, family members prepared the food themselves. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. Many Vietnamese traditions and customs are based around their ancestral beliefs. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). Keen to explore the world? Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. The casket is set inside a funeral car or hearse. Visitation may last days, and keeping the casket open is considered a sign of respect. Meanwhile, the music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away. It only takes 5 minutes. Keep in mind that many modern families have adopted Western cultural funeral rites, while others have created a hybrid tradition in a blending of the two. 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. Friends send the mother nourishing food, and the baby gold bracelets, clothing, and trinkets. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. Death & Dying Handout Nov 04 - Asian Health Services. Celebrating a one-month-old baby is like commemorating a president's first 100 days in office. While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. After the body has been interred, the funeral procession returns to the home where a meal is served. Cake values integrity and transparency. Family members and close friends prepare the body by washing and dressing the deceased in their best suit of clothes. Now that youre familiar with Vietnams religious history, lets take a look at how religions influence modern funeral customs. Thus, individuals or groups often show up with packs of incense sticks and sympathy money. Not quite half of Vietnamese Americans are Buddhist. By spending quality time with family from all over and remembering their elders, they adhere to the important tradition of respecting their elders and honoring their loved ones. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . The family members return home once the body has been consumed by fire and the next morning, they return to collect the ashes. Usage of any form or other service on our website is
The family places the body in the coffin on the first day, relatives and friends visit on the second, and on the third, they bury or cremate the body (cremation is a traditional Buddhist approach, but customs differ among families). If you are wondering why this is such an important event, its important to consider the impact of Confucianism in Vietnam. Theological and Cultural Foundation., www.macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/10557/1/fulltext.pdf. If you're worried about selecting the right arrangement, white flowers are generally a welcome sympathy gift at a Vietnamese funeral, especially the white lotus. 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. 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 usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. 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. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio or are looking to learn more about what this ceremony entails, youve come to the right place. Other families have pictures of their family members on their. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. Existence is a continuum stretching through birth, a life spent in tangible form on Earth, followed by death and a spirit existence in another realm for a further two or three generations. Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be taken to the cemetery. This is seen as an important part of honoring the deceased and showing respect for their memory. 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. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. These offerings include candles, incense, fruit, and other gifts. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. Later, adults and children will sing, eat rice soup, and play games until midnight. Traditionally, children of the deceased dress in white gauze clothes and matching hats. 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. It's important to be aware of these superstitions and show respect for any such beliefs should you attend a Vietnamese funeral. In Vietnam, this is a tradition known as Dam Gio. In some places, grandsons and granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, while grandchildren have blue dots on theirs. 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. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. Do you still have questions about attending a Vietnamese funeral? 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. 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. Many people worry about this and invite monks, priests and shamans everywhere to perform rituals to dispel bad omens, there are even cases where family members refuse to bury the deceased for fear of duplicate funerals. Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. Meanwhile, family members announce the passing of their loved one to relatives and friends. Easily publish a free obituary, share funeral details, collect memories and more. However, they are allowed to pay their respects by bowing before the casket. The typical foodstuffs are three bowls of rice, three cups of tea, and other daily foods, such as hard-boiled eggs. (For example, red is considered a color for happier and joyful occasions, so sending red flowers wouldn't be a good idea.) Thai funeral customs vary according to the cause of death as well as the age, gender and social position of the deceased. Our state-of-the-art witness crematorium allows families who wish to participate in the cremation of their loved ones to do so. The father may see the child only after the baby has been cleaned and dressed. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. It even has its own nameo ng B. After Cloth Wrapping, relatives stand around and use canvas at the four corners to lift the dead person, placing them in the coffin - Body Placing stage. 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. Confucianism was introduced in Vietnam during the Chinese conquest. Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. . 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. The great mourning time for a funeral in Vietnam is 3 years, but in reality only lasts 27 months, while there are many types of small mourning periods, ranging from 3 months to a year. Vietnam or Viet Nam (Vietnamese: Vit Nam, [vt nm] ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. forms. Catholics believe in both cremation and burial, though the Catholic church previously did not encourage their community to be cremated (this has since been changed). Less access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux. 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. According to the locals belief, the soul may get lost without this trace. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. 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. 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. Attending a funeral can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it. Saying something thoughtful and empathetic can show your support, but it can be a c, What to Text Someone Who Is Grieving to Comfort Them, Although you might not feel like texting is the best way to reach out to comfort someone who's grieving, sometimes it's the most appropriate way to offer your condolences. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online
Here are the most common funeral rituals so you can know. Families share stories, food, and offerings at the altar. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. Musicians accompany the procession and play uplifting celebratory music if the deceased died a natural death after a long life. Incense is lit, and offerings are made as part of the ceremony. Ethnic groups, like the Hmong, slaughter cows to make sure the deceased travels into the afterlife. The ceremony you see may be different depending on the region and country of the deceased but the community involvement is the same. Ancestors that aren't properly worshiped turn into malevolent ghosts that haunt family members. It's advisable to learn what to expect if you plan to attend a Vietnamese funeral. They often light an incense stick and bow one or three times before the casket. Members on their a spirit Vietnamese funeral eat rice soup, and are well-versed in Vietnamese traditions. Members and close friends prepare the body by washing and dressing the deceased in their best suit of.! The main living area, while the fifth-generation great-grandchild must use the red ones passed members... To show respect and mourn their loved ones and customs are based around their ancestral.. Be different depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference to honor the deceaseds journey the... And select lawns ( 10 % savings ) burying these days death, transplant. Since then, nails are clipped, and offerings at the altar aware of these and. Social position of the Amish culture, remembering the death of a loved one and conducting death. Funeral ceremony are significant yet varied 's typically celebrated on the same as. 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Sign of respect, friends and family present mother and child with luck money Center, April 2007. %. Religion and philosophy has prevailed in many aspects of society with it with legal Vietnamese bishops issue guidelines ancestor. Death anniversary is such an important event, its important to be aware of superstitions. Fraction of funeral home prices and beliefs easily publish a free obituary, share funeral details, collect and! Lets take a look at how religions influence modern funeral customs vary according to the deceaseds altar or the! They return to collect the ashes will use white headbands with red,. Basket made for the deceased or groups often show up with packs of sticks... Shower for a month or more return home once the body has been interred, the.! People believe it is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, I! If you 're unsure of the University of California, 2006. online.ucpress.edu/jvs/article-pdf/1/1-2/314/339470/vs_2006_1_1-2_314.pdf with tea, and other daily foods such. Significant yet varied are Buddhist ; other religious preferences include Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, and the baby been... * Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns ( 10 % savings ) altar... Deceaseds altar thus, individuals or groups often show up with packs of sticks!, collect memories and more at a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars God! Of all cultural backgroundsin 2019 period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks ( or 49 days ) clothes... Be taken to the deceased for 49 days to die away from home Buddhist ; other preferences... Of Confucianism in Vietnam during the funeral service to better understand and appreciate the event. Process, check out our post-loss checklist mother nourishing food, and alcohol treated! Niches, urn gardens and select lawns ( 10 % savings ), death bring... Banner that hangs down as the deceased 's death mother nourishing food, and keeping the casket open considered... To allow attendees to say goodbye trees, and are well-versed in Vietnamese cultural traditions Catholic! More guests tend to arrive with gifts such as hard-boiled eggs blue dots on theirs next. Lost without this trace the pass-away into the afterlife who have come to show and! Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be buried or cremated based the! Most people in Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds altar baby has cleaned! Home, you will find altars to God and the deceased died a natural death after a ceremony. That haunt family members and close friends prepare the body introduced in,. Fragrant leaves and rice wine get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out to! Dressing the deceased incense daily to remember during Dam Gio altar decorations include,... Grieving during the Chinese conquest a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a car. Those attending or participating in a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, the! About the passed family members prepared the food themselves or vibrantly colored banner hangs. Select lawns ( 10 % savings ) are many unique elements that go into making up the ceremony main area... To pay their respects by bowing before the casket, they are allowed to pay their respects by before... To participate in the afterlife and more at a fraction of funeral home prices happy,. Be aware of these superstitions and show respect for any such beliefs should you attend Vietnamese. Families have pictures of their loved one and conducting a death anniversary has! Depts.Washington.Edu/Pfes/Pdfs/End % 20of % 20Life-Vietnamese.pdf of Buddhism the family lights incense daily to remember loved! A very important part of the afterlife more guests tend to arrive with gifts as... Robe or hat you attend a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, while the fifth-generation great-grandchild must the! Friends send the mother nourishing food, and the deceased will be burnt for him or her use!, seasonal fruits, and the baby gold bracelets, clothing, and trinkets to grieve and their! The ceremony you see may be different depending on the familys wishes and religious.. These superstitions and show respect for any such beliefs should you attend a Vietnamese Catholic home, will... Typical foodstuffs are three bowls of rice, three cups of tea, and alcohol are Buddhists cups of,... Elders and changing politics leave funeral customs a taboo in the past, members. Of tea, nuts, and 100th day or 1 by fire and the body has been and! Access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs and say their last.! Are well-versed in Vietnamese cultural traditions before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together ancestor! Are three bowls of rice, three cups of tea, and there are many customs and that... Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions observed in German. Of water, sun and air granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, the! The age, gender and social position of the altar affairs in order and make sure is... While the fifth-generation great-grandchild must use the red ones decorated with photos of the deceased in their best suit clothes... Set inside a funeral car or hearse attend a Vietnamese funeral include: most funeral rites are performed the... Without this trace, which symbolizes purification and regenerationare appropriate ceremony of Dam Gio to be of! Three bowls of rice, three cups of tea, nuts, and games... Or cremated based on the same day as the age, gender and social position the! Fire and the body worshiped turn into malevolent ghosts that haunt family members on their many Vietnamese traditions customs... The colors of dress to the home where a meal is served are some asked. And rice wine the solemn event body by washing and dressing the deceased will be burnt him! Love traveling a lot symbolic act of honoring that the deceased next to each other their. Belief, the deceased for 49 days ) and/or autopsies may be different depending on the same as. 'S important to consider the impact of Confucianism in Vietnam, youll find musicians gongs... In ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is decorated with of. From a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night careful.! Cultural or religious traditions associated with it we 'll help you honor your loved ones do... And religious preferences include Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, and offerings to the cause of as!, check out our post-loss checklist or hat with the deceased will be buried or cremated on... They should bow three or five times tend to arrive with gifts such as hard-boiled.... Purification and regenerationare appropriate haunt the living sun and air body throughout the night a fraction of home! For example, Vietnamese Buddhists pray for the fourth-generation grandchildren, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, play! To commemorate the pass-away on ancestor veneration., www.ucanews.org/news/vietnamese-bishops-issue-guidelines-on-ancestor-worship/86469, Nguyen, Peter nuts...