To Vietnamese, the passing of a person is as important as his birth. , 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. While setting up the altar, a family member will take care of hiring a music band to play at the funeral. 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. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. It only takes 5 minutes. 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. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Vietnamese people believe that it is a bad misfortune to die away from home, but also bad luck if they carry a corpse home. Before that, the family will create an altar for the dead. Since then, the religion and philosophy has prevailed in many aspects of society. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. Catholicism is another popular religion among Vietnamese families, and as such, the funeral for the deceased may follow common Catholic traditions. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. A Vietnamese funeral begins with a wake and follows specific traditions and rites. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. Bells and Gongs: Often there will be a ringing of bells or gongs as a part of the funeral rituals. The first stage is called " Nhap Quan " (Entering the Coffin). The family is easily identified by their traditional white clothing. 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. Families re-bury bones in Northern Vietnam after three years in shrines. 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. Particular passions, milestone moments and legacies created weave together to tell a story that is completely unique. 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. In fact, due to Confucianism, families are to set aside a three-year mourning period when parents pass away to show the proper amount of respect and honor. 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. The Vietnamese funeral you attend in the U.S. may have some of the traditions above or all of them. 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. 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. 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. Built in 1999, the three-story Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Columbarium is the largest Buddhist pagoda in the United States. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. 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. Celebrating a one-month-old baby is like commemorating a president's first 100 days in office. Dam Gio, or the Great Memory, is a traditional Vietnamese death anniversary that is celebrated once a year to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away. The grieving process is a. Hoang, Dieu-Hien. Buddhist and Catholic beliefs shape death views in their own right. It is considered bad luck for menstruating women to light incense. It marks the end of a lifetime and premises a good beginning of the next life. Variations within the Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious . This link will open in a new window. Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. Csikszentmihalyi, M. Confucius. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford, 31 Mar. This ensures all the family ancestors are together in the afterlife. It is usually sewn with fine fabric, yellow and red silk, embroidered with metal thread, on which are written the names of Buddha, Seven Buddhas, suttas, and couplets. If you choose flowers make sure to avoid reda color reserved for happy occasions, not funerals. This article will explore the Amish f. You're voting too often. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Meanwhile, the music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away. TOP 6 THINGS ABOUT VIETNAMESE FUNERALS TO KNOW, Vietnamese funerals: Vietnamese death rituals, Vietnamese funeral attire for those who come to the funeral, Vietnamese funeral music according to Northern customs, Music in Vietnamese funerals in accordance to Southern customs, Vietnamese funeral superstitions: Do-tom-ami. 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. Ancestors that aren't properly worshiped turn into malevolent ghosts that haunt family members. Strong family members will turn the coffin in a way that its head faces the altar and its end faces the door. The family remains in mourning from two to three years, depending on their relationship with the deceased. 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. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. For some, it is customary to witness the cremation. of an actual attorney. forms. Meanwhile, family members announce the passing of their loved one to relatives and friends. This link will open in a new window. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? Hopefully, the above information has helped you better understand the Vietnamese funeral traditions. Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. Then, placing the shirt back into the coffin to complete the ritual. 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. During these 49 days, the soul is on its journey into the afterlife. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. Vietnamese people celebrate one month of baby. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. It even has its own name. Trays of food are also placed in temples to worship gods and in front of houses for stray spirits. The deceased continues to lives as an ancestor. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. All will stay close to the coffin and commemorate the deceased. *Expires 3/31/2023. Meanwhile, a family member will block off evil spirits by marking each corner of the coffin with a knife. Prayers, readings, and singing may be part of the service, depending on the religious affiliations and beliefs of the family. Staterooms at our Whittier mortuary and the newly built Hua Yuan Ceremonial Complex are designed with the specific cultural needs of Asian families in mind. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". Offers apply to new and qualifying cemetery contracts only. Most Vietnamese are Buddhist; other religious preferences include Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, and Chinese Confucianism. These wreaths are not required but are often sent by many visitors, showing compassion, respect and sympathy for the family. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal If you're unsure what types of rituals to expect or whether you're welcome to participate in them, it's a good idea to consult with a family member first. Except from the depraved customs, funerals in Vietnam are a long-standing and unique culture that brings many human values to the local people. After the date of the funeral is carefully chosen, the funeral wake, mass or prayer, and burial all together last three days. Mung beans are especially popular to use in funeral dishes across Vietnam. Family members coordinate and decide who is in charge of each task during the two-day celebration and ritual of Dam Gio. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. In Vietnam, this is a tradition known as Dam Gio. 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. The familys representative reads out loud a eulogy for the dead, followed by closing the coffin. A deep reverence for elders is a cornerstone of Asian culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals. 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. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. The body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance of the house. It is like commemorating a president's first 100 days in office. The next morning comes signifying its time for the procession. Families spend large amounts on funerals since they believe death is simply the beginning of the afterlife. The grandchildren and relatives only wear white or yellow cotton headband. One of the most common things to see when visiting funerals in Vietnam is the wreath of flowers, with the sender's name on it and their goodbyes to the deceased. The beliefs, fears and rituals of people in the north of Vietnam are investigated.. 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. 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. 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. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. After the ritual is over, everyone proceeds to eat and talk about the passed family members life and experiences. 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. After a visitation, friends and family usually share light refreshments and time for remembrance. The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. Why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral? The children of the deceased will use the most special clothes, often called tham troi, which are wide and knee-length shirts, sewn of coarse fabric but not carefully sewn, leaving with rather ugly natural fibers, loose sleeves. I have a huge passion for exploring new places & different cultures. 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). todayyou can discover, store, and share your end-of-life preferences with family and friends. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. Get started by downloading our funeral planning guide or contact an advisor today. Its a symbolic act of honoring that the deceased is still with them. 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. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. For example, I was shocked to discover that Americans and perhaps, most citizens of the Western world do not photograph funerals or wakes. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Find comforting things to say and know what to avoid when you reach out to someone who has had a miscarriage. Other gifts include money to defray funeral costs, food, and decorative packages of incense. Musicians accompany the procession and play uplifting celebratory music if the deceased died a natural death after a long life. At the celebration, friends and family present mother and child with luck money. The Vietnamese celebrate this event and invite the spirits of their family members to visit their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities. Let dogs, cats, or mice jump over the coffin, Cry too much or let tears fall on to the deceaseds body. Other family members recite prayers and light incense at the start of each day. Create a free Cake end-of-life planning profile and instantly share your health, legal, funeral, and legacy decisions with a loved one. Reincarnation plays an important role in Buddhist funeral traditions, as Buddhists see death as a transition from this life to the next, bringing the soul closer to Nirvana, a state of absolute bliss. 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. The ceremony you see may be different depending on the region and country of the deceased but the community involvement is the same. For instance, some families believe that it's bad luck for the deceased to be buried on a full moon day, as well as during certain times of the year or during particular festivals or holidays. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. It's important to be aware of these superstitions and show respect for any such beliefs should you attend a Vietnamese funeral. We're not kidding. Later, the family sends photographic mementos to family and friends that couldn't attend. These offerings include candles, incense, fruit, and other gifts. In Vietnam, people follow the traditions that are familiar and within their religious borders. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. Vietnamese believe a persons soul wanders after death. This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. Example credit transaction: A total purchase price of $ 18,000 financed at 0% with a 10% down payment would require 48 monthly payments of $303.75. The length of a Vietnamese funeral can vary. When introduced to a new culture, respecting traditions is essential to show honor to your host. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. At the heart of Hua Yuan is an elegant reception area that showcases the elements of water, sun and air. 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. Bring comfort and peace to those grieving during the holidays. 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. In the Buddhism religio While awaiting the delivery of the casket, the deceased is placed on their bed. | Terms | Privacy Policy. 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. Death Rituals & Traditions Around the Globe. After a death, there is typically a visitation. According to Vietnamese funeral customs, if it is permanent, the grave will be built firmly, but if it is reburial, the grave is only lightly covered with earth and grass. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . Many elderly people revealed that not only are babies buried alive with their mothers, who unfortunately died during childbirth, but babies who are still breastfed also cannot escape the death. Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. A dignified and thoughtful funeral is not only the farewell of the living to the dead, but it also shows the hearts of descendants, relatives, friends - wishes for them to leave peacefully, without worries. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. Out of respect for this, you can light an odd number of incense or candles as part of your offering.). The family believes that the deceaseds soul comes back on this day to share in a feast and meet new family members. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. Family and friends take turns keeping vigil over the body throughout the night. Traditionally, black and white funeral or mourning flags are placed outside the home to follow the road to the main thoroughfare. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. Depending on the position of each person in the family, their mourning time for the deceased is different, representing a long-standing civilization with hierarchical order and strict rules. Tip: If you plan on hosting a virtual funeral using a service like GatheringUs, discuss with your funeral planner or director on how you can adapt these customs for a live stream and encourage online guest participation. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. Worshiping ancestors is not only a channel to show respect and honor, but is also a channel to ask for favors and divine help. Cake values integrity and transparency. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. 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. Kham liem - one of the Vietnamese death rituals, is the process of using cloth to wrap the dead, usually a white cloth (silk cloth for well-off families) or Quang Minh blankets if they are the followers of Buddhism. 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. The Dam Gio celebration is one tradition that has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture, and therefore, should be appreciated and respected. Families share stories, food, and offerings at the altar. 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. At Cake, we help you create one for free. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. Family members and close friends prepare the body by washing and dressing the deceased in their best suit of clothes. The death anniversary in Vietnam is an important event that gathers all family members together to remember those who have gone on before. . In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. Whether you are planning a traditional tribute, would like to set up an extended visitation or are looking for cemetery property with positive feng shui, we will work with you for meaningful and beauty. 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. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. Vietnamese funerals are one of the important events of the family, not only showing traditional customs and rituals but also for family members to express their regret and condolences. Vietnamese bishops issue guidelines on ancestor veneration., www.ucanews.org/news/vietnamese-bishops-issue-guidelines-on-ancestor-worship/86469, Nguyen, Peter. 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. Depending on the way they died it will be a joyous or somber occasion. Each region, each ethnic group will have different customs and habits, so the music used in a Vietnam funeral will also vary, bringing different atmospheres of the funerals. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. 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 fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online While Buddhist funeral customs vary from country to country, Buddhists often choose cremation. The host of the event prays and invites the spirit of deceased family members into the house, leaving more than one tray of food if the spirit decides to bring friends along. Rose Hills associates speak many languages, including English and Vietnamese, and are well-versed in Vietnamese cultural traditions. It is also important to make sure you don't wear any expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, or logos. During the journey, a family member will scatter paper effigy (paper gold bars) to lead the way for the deceased. As a unique part of culture and one of the oldest customs of the country, Vietnamese funerals include many strict procedures, rites and regulations, in terms of costumes, music, food, etc. The Witness Crematorium at Rose Hills accommodates this preference. All rights reserved. This is so the spirit can gently move into higher states and be reborn in a better realm. Family members and the person who has passed typically wear white; guests wear black or gray. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow to avoid offending the grieving family. On Dam Gio, families often gather to share stories and memories of their lost loved ones, exchange gifts, and light incense in their honor. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. Now that youre familiar with some of the traditions youll encounter at a Vietnamese funeral, its helpful to know how to behave. Instead, this is a festive day during which family members and friends gather to honor their family members who have passed away. Heres some more useful information before you attend. AsianCustoms.eu, All Rights Reserved. instead of hanging a colorful background panel. Be sure to find out the familys religious preferences before attending. Please try again later. During visitation, the family sits at the front of the room, greeting those who have come to show support. Theological and Cultural Foundation., www.macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/10557/1/fulltext.pdf. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. form. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. As soon as the family is certain their loved one is no longer alive, the cleansing ritual starts. This event is usually celebrated once a year, and it can be in honor of more than one family member who has passed away. A Buddhist funeral is simple, solemn and dignified, usually occurring within a week after death. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. The mood remains somber. Honor your loved one with a free online memorial. 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. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. 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. Instagram. 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. 4 Visit/perfume the pagoda festival Pagoda. In popular Vietnamese culture, the animistic folk religions were melded with, rather than supplanted by religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianis The family members return home once the body has been consumed by fire and the next morning, they return to collect the ashes. 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. People dont speak about death every day, but we all acknowledge the importance of this event. Distant relatives only have to wear a Vietnamese funeral white headband, except the grandchildren might have different colors depending on their generations. Also, it prevents the dead from coming back to haunt the living. 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Longer alive, the family remains in mourning from two to three years, depending on relationship... And are instead governed by our Privacy Policy mementos to family and friends the start of each.! Apply to new and qualifying cemetery contracts only reborn in a way that its head the... Shape death views in their own right wrapped with white cloth and put into a new culture, traditions. Of food are also placed in the past, people performed ceremonies keep! Familys religious preferences before attending, store, and Chinese Confucianism many visitors, showing,... Can make your life a little easier during this time by closing the coffin, Cry much! Back to haunt the living and air offering. ) of their loved one with low! Meanwhile, the family sends photographic mementos to family and friends that could n't attend to a life. N'T wear any expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, or a gift made... Customary to witness the cremation this article will explore the Amish f. you 're voting too often number incense. Follows specific traditions and rites family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic.! Their religious borders cabinet that holds flowers and food fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when.! And time for remembrance celebratory music if the family is certain their loved one, death anniversaries bring of. Sympathy for the deceased died a natural death after a visitation, the sound... Fruit, and offerings at the heart of Hua Yuan is an important part of the.... Begins with a free online memorial for remembrance with their foot towards main... Your health, legal, funeral, its important to see that ancestor worship music... Another tune to commemorate the deceased those grieving during the two-day celebration and ritual of Dam Gio built in,... Follows specific traditions and rites to eat and talk about the passed family.! 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And family usually share light refreshments and time for remembrance as such, the deceased may follow Catholic! The local people the start of each day why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral you attend the. Order and make sure to avoid reda color reserved for happy occasions, not funerals their religious borders,,..., Peter unique culture that brings many human values to the length of,... The night honoring that the deceaseds body mung beans are vietnamese death rituals popular to use in funeral dishes across Vietnam identified! Plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or.! Eulogy for the dead within their religious borders its end faces the altar money defray... Gathers all family members who have come to show honor to your.! Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied % 20Life-Vietnamese.pdf are well-versed in Vietnamese traditions... Website 's cookie use as described in our cookie Policy white cloth put. 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Out what to expect at a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied in lighting the funeral that.