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. 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. 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. Some believe that those who fail to show proper respect to their parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during their lives. As soon as the family is certain their loved one is no longer alive, the cleansing ritual starts. The ritual begins with food and meal preparations. Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be taken to the cemetery. In modern times, and for practicalitys sake, home altars are now set up to ease the deceaseds journey into becoming an ancestor. 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. If the family has an altar, it is decorated with photos of the deceased and flowers. 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. Easily publish a free obituary, share funeral details, collect memories and more. 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). Death is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life. Twitter. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. This ensures all the family ancestors are together in the afterlife. At the heart of Hua Yuan is an elegant reception area that showcases the elements of water, sun and air. generalized educational content about wills. I have a huge passion for exploring new places & different cultures. This phenomenon of people dying close to each other is considered bad luck, bringing more deaths to the family, although how serious it also depends on the date and time of the last breath. Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. Bodies can be cremated or buried in Vietnamese culture, it typically depends on the religion and preferences of the deceased and the family. 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. Out of respect for this, you can light an odd number of incense or candles as part of your offering.). In popular Vietnamese culture, the animistic folk religions were melded with, rather than supplanted by religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianis 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. They often keep their loved one at home after their death for anywhere ranging from three days to a month. 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].". Mourners often wear white headbands. Family and friends give offerings to the deceased like incense, food, and money. Prayers are offered, and the casket is lowered into the prepared gravesite. One important aspect of their culture is how they deal with death. Keen to explore the world? 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). 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. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. 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. After that, friends and neighbors come to light up incense, offer prayers, and take a last look at the deceaseds face. A white lotus flower is the traditional good luck flower to give the family in mourning. 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. During the journey, a family member will scatter paper effigy (paper gold bars) to lead the way for the deceased. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". 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
Living things like rivers, rocks, trees, and mountains all have a spirit. Once the coffin is about two meters underground, the family will bid adieu to the deceased and leave. Most funerals in Vietnam consist of three stages. These define the way to the home so mourners can find their way to the wake to pay their respects. of an actual attorney. . All belongings of the deceased will be burnt for him or her to use in the afterlife. During the afternoon, food and offerings are arranged in front of an altar, and food is served on the table. As day eases into night, the family will prepare a hearty dinner for the deceaseds altar. In Vietnamese culture, actions are important. Incense is lit, and offerings are made as part of the ceremony. Honor your loved one with a free online memorial. The family is easily identified by their traditional white clothing. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Atop a hill, the columbarium has views of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, as well as a birds-eye view of Sycamore Valley and SkyRose Chapel. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. In Vietnam, this is a tradition known as Dam Gio. In Vietnamese culture, death is seen as a natural part of life and not something to be feared or dreaded. There is a mass on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after death. forms. 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. This link will open in a new window. The main Catholic traditions observed in a Vietnamese funeral include: Most funeral rites are performed in the presence of the body. Vietnamese Burials, Mourning, and Death Anniversaries The burial is another time for the family to grieve and say their last goodbye. Family members might try to crawl into the casket to be closer to the deceased. Regardless of methods, the persons eternal home is often at a cemetery. The family will choose a lucky day for their loved ones funeral, so prepare to have a flexible schedule when planning to attend. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. First, the family will offer a simple meal to the deceaseds altar. Please try again later. Hoang, Dieu-Hien. Catholicism is another popular religion among Vietnamese families, and as such, the funeral for the deceased may follow common Catholic traditions. After that, the family will cover the deceaseds face with a white sheet and light up candles next to where he or she rests. If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. advice. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. The traditional "banh . Download your FREE planning guide today. 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. On the second day, visitors come to pay their respects. Get started by downloading our funeral planning guide or contact an advisor today. 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. 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. At the celebration friends and family present mother and child with luck money. 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. Keep reading to find out. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? Facebook. The flowers are gathered and taken to the cemetery or crematory. This link will open in a new window. Incense is set on the altar and burned. The family will lay the body in the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity. Distant relatives only have to wear a Vietnamese funeral white headband, except the grandchildren might have different colors depending on their generations. He then pours wine and burns incense previously placed in the altar. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. Why do Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral? Prices quoted include 10% savings and endowment care. In some places, grandsons and granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, while grandchildren have blue dots on theirs. It's advisable to learn what to expect if you plan to attend a Vietnamese funeral. Mung beans are especially popular to use in funeral dishes across Vietnam. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. 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). Dam Gio altar decorations include fresh, bright-colored flowers in beautifully decorated vases and two candleholders in each corner of the altar. While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. Musicians accompany the procession and play uplifting celebratory music if the deceased died a natural death after a long life. Friends send the mother nourishing food, and the baby gold bracelets, clothing, and trinkets. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. For the fourth-generation grandchildren, a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, while the fifth-generation great-grandchild must use the red ones. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. For information about opting out, click here. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. Not quite half of Vietnamese Americans are Buddhist. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. You should wear black like the other funeral attendees. 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. The duplicate funeralis a phenomenon where a family member dies on the same day, or still in the mourning time of the person who previously died, especially in the period after 3 days or 49 days of burial. 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. In traditional burials of some sects, the deceased's clothing and other belongings are burned. 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. The gifts are placed on the altar, and the eldest member of the family proceeds with the ritual of inviting spirits to the home, pouring wine, lighting incense, and praying. While Buddhist funeral customs vary from country to country, Buddhists often choose cremation. The body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance of the house. The purpose of this stage is to clean the death body and place it inside the coffin. This tradition represents the cycle of life when the body will be returned to the earth. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. Depending on the religious affiliations of the family, it's common to wear white or dark colors as a sign of respect and mourning. 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. People dont speak about death every day, but we all acknowledge the importance of this event. Vietnamese people believe that it is a bad misfortune to die away from home, but also bad luck if they carry a corpse home. The funeral will last three days. Although death is an inevitable part of life, understanding its customs and beliefs can help to honor the memory of the deceased and show respect for their family. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. After the summoning rite, the eldest child in the family hands out funeral outfits for family members. Each has a catering kitchen, dining room and courtyard with a ceremonial burner. Catholic families hold one mass, but Vietnamese Catholics offer mass for ancestral souls year-round. Vietnamese believe a persons soul wanders after death. It may be surprising to you how openly the family talks about death. Gifts like wreaths for the casket, flowers, or money are all good choices. They slaughter chickens, ducks, and other animals to cook traditional dishes for the occasion. When back from the procession, the family will invite guests to lunch or dinner to show gratitude. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. 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. Worshiping ancestors is not only a channel to show respect and honor, but is also a channel to ask for favors and divine help. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is. Each culture has a special way to commemorate the death anniversary of their loved ones. AsianCustoms.eu, All Rights Reserved. Celebrating a Death Anniversary in Vietnam. The purpose of Dam Gio is to provide offerings to passed loved ones, so they are comfortable wherever they are. First, the body is cleaned using a towel with water infused with fragrant leaves and rice wine. 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. 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. 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.". During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. So they prepare great feasts for the dead to take on their journey. Rituals Be aware that there are a variety of Vietnamese cultures and religious practices. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. In Vietnamese homes, people keep altars year-round to remember their deceased family members. These wreaths are not required but are often sent by many visitors, showing compassion, respect and sympathy for the family. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. 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. Sally is a prolific non-fiction and fiction writer, who has appeared in multiple print and digital publications. [2] It is generally understood that certain ghosts are people who have undergone unnatural, premature, painful or violent deaths . Its often sadder for families in the North because of the harmony of drums, trumpets and cries, while the atmosphere of the funeral in the South is softer with lyrical songs. You will see the body treated with the utmost care. 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. 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. This is seen as disrespectful. The casket is placed in the main living area. 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. Likewise, when guests bow their heads at the casket, they should bow three or five times. Some sects burn the paper to speed its process in reaching the deceased in the afterlife. 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. 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Since then, the religion and philosophy has prevailed in many aspects of society. You can show respect through gifts or words of condolence, depending on your ability and relationship to the family. All rights reserved. Except from the depraved customs, funerals in Vietnam are a long-standing and unique culture that brings many human values to the local people. 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. 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. If you are attending a Dam Gio, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rituals and their significance so youre prepared to show respect towards the Vietnamese culture and the men and women being celebrated. In this guide, well break down the history, traditions, and etiquette at Vietnamese funerals. Funeral songs arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. Why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral? 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. of an actual attorney. advice. Another depraved custom of Vietnamese funeral is do-tom-ami - burying babies alive with their deceased mothers, often in hidden villages in the Central Highlands and some central provinces. The eldest son leads the procession, carrying a framed photo of the deceased. The most suitable are white lotus flowers as it symbolises purification. Built in 1999, the three-story Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Columbarium is the largest Buddhist pagoda in the United States. In fact, incense burning is a prominent part of Vietnamese funerals. Prayers, readings, and singing may be part of the service, depending on the religious affiliations and beliefs of the family. 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. For example, I was shocked to discover that Americans and perhaps, most citizens of the Western world do not photograph funerals or wakes. The casket is set inside a funeral car or hearse. The details of this example should not be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam. 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. 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