Vietnamese bishops recently released a set of guidelines focusing on ancestor worship for Catholic families to follow. 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. The following anecdote detailing the death rituals of a Vietnamese family demonstrates that such rituals can have a therapeutic effect on the dying and bereaved. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. . In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. However, today, it usually lasts around three days. At the celebration friends and family present mother and child with luck money. This article will explore the Amish f. You're voting too often. 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. 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. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Specialty property includes monuments, private and semi-private estates (20% savings). Death is an unavoidable part of life, and Vietnamese culture has its own customs, beliefs, and superstitions when it comes to death and funerals. The beliefs, fears and rituals of people in the north of Vietnam are investigated.. In South America, people celebrate the Day of the Dead in November, and in Vietnam, this celebration is Dam Gio. Death is also an occasion of major religious significance, serving as a reminder of the Buddhas teaching on impermanence as well as providing an opportunity to assist the loved ones as they travel on to their new existence. In Vietnam as elsewhere, these ceremonies are predictable events in the steady unfolding of a life, as inevitable as the change of seasons. Most families would prefer that attendees dress in a respectful manner. Its a symbolic act of honoring that the deceased is still with them. 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. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. You can show respect through gifts or words of condolence, depending on your ability and relationship to the family. The Vietnamese celebrate this event and invite the spirits of their family members to visit their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. 2020. Though there are no hard and fast rules around funeral customs, there are certain Vietnamese funeral traditions that are usually observed. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal instead of hanging a colorful background panel. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. Distant relatives only have to wear a Vietnamese funeral white headband, except the grandchildren might have different colors depending on their generations. 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. A funeral procession is a colorful event. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. Let us share it with you in this article. Death Rituals & Traditions Around the Globe. After a visitation, friends and family usually share light refreshments and time for remembrance. Spirits are invited to visit a household through prayers. Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Though having similar meanings. In Vietnamese homes, people keep altars year-round to remember their deceased family members. Rice production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of a strong sense of community in Vietnamese villages. Death and Dying in Vietnamese Culture In Vietnamese culture, religion dictates some of the rituals in the dying and bereavement process. All will stay close to the coffin and commemorate the deceased. White mourning wreaths often use chrysanthemums, roses, lilies, to express the purity, modesty, and sophistication of the deceased in the eyes of the sender, as well as their mourning. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. Built in 1999, the three-story Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Columbarium is the largest Buddhist pagoda in the United States. At Cake, we help you create one for free. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. Families create an altar featuring offerings and a portrait of the deceased. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. The family lights incense daily to remember their loved one. 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. Usage of any form or other service on our website is This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Keen to explore the world? Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. 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. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. 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Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be taken to the cemetery. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. Theological and Cultural Foundation., www.macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/10557/1/fulltext.pdf. The casket is placed in the main living area. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. The mourning period is determined by the family's religious practices. 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. Strong family members will turn the coffin in a way that its head faces the altar and its end faces the door. Staff Writers. generalized educational content about wills. After the date of the funeral is carefully chosen, the funeral wake, mass or prayer, and burial all together last three days. Not quite half of Vietnamese Americans are Buddhist. 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. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? Rose Hills introduced the complexwhich welcomes families of all cultural backgroundsin 2019. If you choose flowers make sure to avoid reda color reserved for happy occasions, not funerals. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online After the summoning rite, the eldest child in the family hands out funeral outfits for family members. todayyou can discover, store, and share your end-of-life preferences with family and friends. Family members and close friends prepare the body by washing and dressing the deceased in their best suit of clothes. 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. Instagram. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. 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. If the deceased's life was cut short due to misfortune, illness, or an accident, then the music is toned down to a proper somber tempo/style. Its a way to show respect and mourn their loved one. 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. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. The remains may be scattered in a river or ocean per tradition. If the deceased will be cremated, then this is likely to be a final aspect of the service. An unlucky day means bad fortune for the family. A car adorned with funeral flags and flower arrangements leads the entourage. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. A proper funeral lets the person rest in peace and comforts his grieving family. The family will choose a lucky day for their loved ones funeral, so prepare to have a flexible schedule when planning to attend. Vietnamese funerals offer you a brief look at the colorful culture of its people. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. Funeral guests frequently give gifts of money to the family before the funeral. Depending on religious beliefs, many of the Vietnamese culture believes that souls live on after death, but especially that a person should die in their home surrounded by his family. In the early morning, the music band starts playing and cues the funeral to begin. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Purple wreaths, often using orchids, are also chosen by many people when they want to show pride, respect, and admiration for the contributions and achievements of the deceased. When it comes to the offerings for ancestors, its normal to see many traditional dishes, fruit, wine, tea, and chopsticks set out. Vietnamese Funeral Customs - Rituals to the Deceased and the Wake For the deceased, the body is washed and dressed in formal clothes. End of Life Care: The Vietnamese Culture. Culture Clues, University of Washington Medical Center, April 2007. depts.washington.edu/pfes/PDFs/End%20of%20Life-Vietnamese.pdf. The death body is cleaned with alcohol or water, removed from the old clothes and worn in the death clothes. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). 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. The familys representative reads out loud a eulogy for the dead, followed by closing the coffin. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. According to Confucius, one should always maintain respect for parents because filial piety provides the basis of ones morality and character. The deceased continues to lives as an ancestor. 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. Families spend large amounts on funerals since they believe death is simply the beginning of the afterlife. As a nurse, Hoang "searched all over town for some morphine to relieve his pain [while] Grandchildren showed him how well they did in school.". Except from the depraved customs, funerals in Vietnam are a long-standing and unique culture that brings many human values to the local people. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. Mournful tunes start once again to mark the deceaseds final moments with family at home. 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. This link will open in a new window. so the deceaseds soul isnt connected to death. This link will open in a new window. According to Vietnamese funeral traditions, when the person is out of breath, a chopstick is placed across the jaw to prevent teeth from grinding together and some rice, and three coins (or gold) are put in so that the dead person does not turn into a hungry ghost. Buddhist Death Rituals and End of Life Traditions, Buddhists believe that a person goes through a process called samsara, or reincarnation at death. The funeral will last three days. All belongings of the deceased will be burnt for him or her to use in the afterlife. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. of an actual attorney. 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. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that comprise the Dignity Memorial network. 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. Incense is lit, and offerings are made as part of the ceremony. Not all Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral, but most do. A typical funeral music band includes trumpet, drum, and Vietnamese two-chord fiddle playing. We're not kidding. After that, friends and neighbors come to light up incense, offer prayers, and take a last look at the deceaseds face. There may be a meditation period and chanting. When someone dies, the family will invite a shaman to perform a ceremony and hang the corpse on a rack, and organize a feast at home until the body is taken to the cemetery, where they continue the ceremony. Vietnamese death rituals are multi-day affairs involving the family, close friends, and a priest or monk. For information about opting out, click here. Rose Hills associates speak many languages, including English and Vietnamese, and are well-versed in Vietnamese cultural traditions. . 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. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. The Witness Crematorium at Rose Hills accommodates this preference. Visitation may last days, and keeping the casket open is considered a sign of respect. I have a huge passion for exploring new places & different cultures. People dont speak about death every day, but we all acknowledge the importance of this event. The main Catholic traditions observed in a Vietnamese funeral include: Most funeral rites are performed in the presence of the body. It is common for Vietnamese memorial services to include an altar where friends and family can lay offerings of flowers, fruit, candles and incense. English Deutsch Franais Espaol Portugus Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk . First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. It's important to be aware of these superstitions and show respect for any such beliefs should you attend a Vietnamese funeral. 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. 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. Some modern families choose to keep the remains in an urn and place the urn in a columbarium or a garden created just to enshrine urns. This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. Vietnamese funerals both shows love and mourning for the deceased, and helps the living move on with their lives. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. The family will lay the body in the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity. 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). 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. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. Gifts like wreaths for the casket, flowers, or money are all good choices. This is seen as an important part of honoring the deceased and showing respect for their memory. After the ritual is over, everyone proceeds to eat and talk about the passed family members life and experiences. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. The body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance of the house. For example, Vietnamese Buddhists pray for the deceased for 49 days. A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. A monk typically conducts the funeral. forms. 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. 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. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. Vietnamese people believe that it is a bad misfortune to die away from home, but also bad luck if they carry a corpse home. 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. They slaughter chickens, ducks, and other animals to cook traditional dishes for the occasion. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. 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. Twitter. 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. The details of this example should not be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam. Funeral songs arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. 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. It marks the end of a lifetime and premises a good beginning of the next life. According to the locals belief, the soul may get lost without this trace. 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. Catholic families hold one mass, but Vietnamese Catholics offer mass for ancestral souls year-round. If you're attending a Buddhist funeral, you're likely to participate in different traditions, or to at least bear witness to them. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. Vietnam is full of death traditions, with the most important is ancestor worship. 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. 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). Family and friends take turns keeping vigil over the body throughout the night. Rituals Be aware that there are a variety of Vietnamese cultures and religious practices. One of the greatest fears in Vietnam is that the dead won't find peace in the afterlife - that they'll be left to wander as tortured spirits. Vietnamese Burials, Mourning, and Death Anniversaries The burial is another time for the family to grieve and say their last goodbye. 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].". A nice funeral flower stand is also a great choice. Vietnamese funeral flowers can be fake or real, most commonly a combination of the two, arranged in full circles, topped with a ribbon on which the senders condolences are written. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. Most funerals in Vietnam consist of three stages. Also, it prevents the dead from coming back to haunt the living. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. The funeral, held at home, usually includes a large tent set up in front of the building for guests to visit. 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. 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. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. Offers are subject to change and may not be combined with other offers. The ceremony is held at the house of the eldest member of the family, who is in charge of arranging the necessary elements of the ceremony. 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. Depending on the religious affiliations of the family, it's common to wear white or dark colors as a sign of respect and mourning. Quickly connect with local funeral homes and easily price out a burial or cremation. Create a free Cake end-of-life planning profile and instantly share your health, legal, funeral, and legacy decisions with a loved one. When back from the procession, the family will invite guests to lunch or dinner to show gratitude. Embalming and organ donation are acceptable in the Catholic faith. NOTE: Understanding the role culture plays in health care is essential. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. 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. Our state-of-the-art witness crematorium allows families who wish to participate in the cremation of their loved ones to do so. All rights reserved. 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. Once the coffin is about two meters underground, the family will bid adieu to the deceased and leave. Family members coordinate and decide who is in charge of each task during the two-day celebration and ritual of Dam Gio. A bowl of rice, a boiled egg, a small plate of salt, and a small cup of water are what they need to prepare. Cake values integrity and transparency. 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. Be sure to find out the familys religious preferences before attending. 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. He then pours wine and burns incense previously placed in the altar. Out of respect for this, you can light an odd number of incense or candles as part of your offering.). When introduced to a new culture, respecting traditions is essential to show honor to your host. Events are similar in pattern to what happens during the first day, but they are focused on worshipping and offering gifts to their ancestors. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is what to say on a death anniversary. subject to our Terms of Use. On Dam Gio, families often gather to share stories and memories of their lost loved ones, exchange gifts, and light incense in their honor. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. The purpose of this stage is to clean the death body and place it inside the coffin. Image: SteveAndNoelle Preparing The Body While Buddhist funeral customs vary from country to country, Buddhists often choose cremation. Because the celebration is so closely tied to honoring and respecting elders, while at a Dam Gio celebration, it's essential to give preference in food, seating, and conversation to anyone older than you. Buddhist and Catholic beliefs shape death views in their own right. 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Customs vary from country to country, Buddhists often choose cremation find altars to God and the deceased and Wake...