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. 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. 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). The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. Do you still have questions about attending a Vietnamese funeral? Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. There is a mass on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after death. The grieving process is a. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Bells and Gongs: Often there will be a ringing of bells or gongs as a part of the funeral rituals. During visitation, the family sits at the front of the room, greeting those who have come to show support. This link will open in a new window. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. Since then, the religion and philosophy has prevailed in many aspects of society. In Vietnamese culture, actions are important. If you are wondering why this is such an important event, its important to consider the impact of Confucianism in Vietnam. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. Additionally, it's common for families to light a candle and offer prayers on the one-year anniversary of a death. 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. This is so the spirit can gently move into higher states and be reborn in a better realm. Quickly connect with local funeral homes and easily price out a burial or cremation. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. All rights reserved. The photo, incense bowl and altar tray are brought back and placed on the altar, which must always be incense and smoke during the mourning period. 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. While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. The funeral, held at home, usually includes a large tent set up in front of the building for guests to visit. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. 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. Many Vietnamese are lactose intolerant as adults so do not consume much milk. NOTE: Understanding the role culture plays in health care is essential. In modern times, and for practicalitys sake, home altars are now set up to ease the deceaseds journey into becoming an ancestor. As soon as the family is certain their loved one is no longer alive, the cleansing ritual starts. 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. 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. When the Vietnamese funerals are over at the grave, everyone will carry the photo and perform the ceremony to go home, but by another way and also stop crying, so that the spirit of the dead person wont follow. These define the way to the home so mourners can find their way to the wake to pay their respects. First, the family will offer a simple meal to the deceaseds altar. In the Vietnamese culture, remembering the death of a loved one and conducting a death ceremony is a filial act. A Vietnamese funeral is a very important event that is rooted in traditional beliefs and customs. After three years, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the souls passage as an ancestor into the afterlife. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. Immediate Need: Call 24/7 at 562-699-0921 | Cemetery hours:Sunrise to Sunset Daily | General business hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Daily. Vietnam or Viet Nam (Vietnamese: Vit Nam, [vt nm] ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Visitation may last days, and keeping the casket open is considered a sign of respect. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. 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. Rose Hills is a foremost expert in Vietnamese funeral traditions. Strong family members will turn the coffin in a way that its head faces the altar and its end faces the door. Keen to explore the world? 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. *Expires 3/31/2023. , 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. Vietnamese people fear that the evil spirits will be jealous of new clothes and cause the baby to become ill. Contact usfor details. 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. The idea behind this cheerful act is that music can comfort the deceased on the way to hell. To avoid that, lets check out several dos and donts below: Hi there, I'm a passionate writer about all things culture, travel, culinary, and more! Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is what to say on a death anniversary. Since filial responsibilities are weighed heavily in the Vietnamese culture, and proper death rituals according to one's abilities are important, death rituals give the bereaved a final chance to make it right by the deceased and thus provide a sense of continuity as well as final closure. Yes, it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a gesture of sympathy. 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 details of this example should not be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam. 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. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. Staff Writers. Spirits are invited to visit a household through prayers. The family will choose a lucky day for their loved ones funeral, so prepare to have a flexible schedule when planning to attend. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. Each family member places a food offering on the altar. 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. Prayers, readings, and singing may be part of the service, depending on the religious affiliations and beliefs of the family. . Bring comfort and peace to those grieving during the holidays. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. Buddhist Death Rituals and End of Life Traditions, Buddhists believe that a person goes through a process called samsara, or reincarnation at death. If the family has an altar, it is decorated with photos of the deceased and flowers. This link will open in a new window. Depending on the religious affiliations of the family, it's common to wear white or dark colors as a sign of respect and mourning. The family bathes and washes the body. However, today, it usually lasts around three days. The father may see the child only after the baby has been cleaned and dressed. This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). These rituals have been passed down for generations and reflect a reverence for life, death and spirituality. There is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say goodbye. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. People dont speak about death every day, but we all acknowledge the importance of this event. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. Although the extent of the preparations depends on the economic status of a family, the main elements of Dam Gio include prayer, an altar, and plenty of food and drink. Even if the family isnt Buddhist you may find Buddhist traditions present, so its useful to be familiar with them. The family remains in mourning from two to three years, depending on their relationship with the deceased. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Celebrating a Death Anniversary in Vietnam. Attending a funeral can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it. 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. In popular Vietnamese culture, the animistic folk religions were melded with, rather than supplanted by religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianis During this time, families will gather together to offer prayers and offerings to the deceased. 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].". Loss is hard. 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. When not deep in writing, I enjoy a long walk by the beach and contemplating what to write next :D. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The family is easily identified by their traditional white clothing. 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. This ensures the deceased an easy journey to eternity. 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. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. On Dam Gio, families often gather to share stories and memories of their lost loved ones, exchange gifts, and light incense in their honor. You will act with the same kind of somber respect as you would at any funeral. forms. Vietnamese families share food with their lost loved one. Dam Gio is the Vietnamese death anniversary. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online At Cake, we help you create one for free. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. Traditionally, black and white funeral or mourning flags are placed outside the home to follow the road to the main thoroughfare. Image: SteveAndNoelle Preparing The Body Animistic beliefs (that all objects, people, and places have a spirit) are the cornerstone of Vietnamese funerals. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. After a death, there is typically a visitation. This is seen as disrespectful. However, it is considered rude and very disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the wake or funeral. Vietnamese believe a persons soul wanders after death. In this guide, well break down the history, traditions, and etiquette at Vietnamese funerals. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. The ritual begins with food and meal preparations. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. 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. 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. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. 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. As other superstitions in Vietnamese funerals, this is not suitable for a civilized lifestyle, is economically costly, affects environmental sanitation, and spreads diseases. (For example, red is considered a color for happier and joyful occasions, so sending red flowers wouldn't be a good idea.) Family members will set up an altar right at their home and continue with the next steps of the funeral. The day when death takes place is incredibly important. 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. When it comes to the offerings for ancestors, its normal to see many traditional dishes, fruit, wine, tea, and chopsticks set out. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. It is also important to make sure you don't wear any expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, or logos. They slaughter chickens, ducks, and other animals to cook traditional dishes for the occasion. Meanwhile, a family member will block off evil spirits by marking each corner of the coffin with a knife. The main Catholic traditions observed in a Vietnamese funeral include: Most funeral rites are performed in the presence of the body. Knowing what to expect can help those attending or participating in a German funeral service to better understand and appreciate the solemn event. Dam Gio preparations begin months before the actual day of celebration. 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. A car adorned with funeral flags and flower arrangements leads the entourage. Many Vietnamese traditions and customs are based around their ancestral beliefs. A mix of political and religious history has made these funerals special to witness. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online In Vietnam, people follow the traditions that are familiar and within their religious borders. Dam Gio is usually celebrated at the house of the eldest son. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. form. 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). You should choose dark clothes such as a black shirt and black pants - the safest and most appropriate choice. At midnight, the family performs another ritual called l quay cu or the turn. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". 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 family will lay the body in the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity. 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. Less access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux. 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. The family members return home once the body has been consumed by fire and the next morning, they return to collect the ashes. The remains may be scattered in a river or ocean per tradition. 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). By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. In Vietnam as elsewhere, these ceremonies are predictable events in the steady unfolding of a life, as inevitable as the change of seasons. Why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral? 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. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, In the past, family members prepared the food themselves. 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. 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. Loss is hard. Days ) choose a lucky day for their loved ones funeral, at. 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