Death is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life. 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. Around the world, everyone celebrates birthdays, but in Vietnam, they celebrate other important dates a little differently. Family members will set up an altar right at their home and continue with the next steps of the funeral. 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. The mourning period is determined by the family's religious practices. The typical foodstuffs are three bowls of rice, three cups of tea, and other daily foods, such as hard-boiled eggs. For information about opting out, click here. The family believes that the deceaseds soul comes back on this day to share in a feast and meet new family members. A monk typically conducts the funeral. *Expires 3/31/2023. The eldest son leads the procession, carrying a framed photo of the deceased. 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. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. The reason for this very cruel custom is explained in a very simple way, which is because life in the deep mountains in the past was inherently poor and harsh. 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. 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. The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. In the Vietnamese culture, remembering the death of a loved one and conducting a death ceremony is a filial act. It may be surprising to you how openly the family talks about death. These offerings include candles, incense, fruit, and other gifts. Let dogs, cats, or mice jump over the coffin, Cry too much or let tears fall on to the deceaseds body. Download your FREE planning guide today. 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. 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. 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. Chuan Quang Minh Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, www.quangminh.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=620:a-vietnamese-buddhist-funeral. 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. The family altar is often carried to the gravesite where it is reassembled. Usage of any form or other service on our website is While setting up the altar, a family member will take care of hiring a music band to play at the funeral. Why do Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral? It's important to be aware of these superstitions and show respect for any such beliefs should you attend a Vietnamese funeral. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. 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. Pinterest. Distant relatives only have to wear a Vietnamese funeral white headband, except the grandchildren might have different colors depending on their generations. Here are the most common funeral rituals so you can knowwhat to expect at a Buddhist funeral: Death is another part of life for Vietnamese Buddhists. generalized educational content about wills. Family members take turns sitting with the body while it is in the home. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. 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. In Vietnamese culture, death is seen as a natural part of life and not something to be feared or dreaded. Except from the depraved customs, funerals in Vietnam are a long-standing and unique culture that brings many human values to the local people. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered. In the Buddhism religio Below are some commonly asked questions around Vietnamese funeral traditions, customs, and beliefs. Most people in Vietnam have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night. In fact, incense burning is a prominent part of Vietnamese funerals. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. Some traditions forego the symbolic burning of clothing. As a result, the Vietnamese people consider Dam Gio to be an incredibly important celebration to do their duty and show respect to those who have gone on before. Generally, services will last around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the size and scope of the service. Regardless of methods, the persons eternal home is often at a cemetery. In traditional burials of some sects, the deceased's clothing and other belongings are burned. 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. (Note: In Vietnamese culture, odd numbers are typically considered to be lucky. After a visitation, friends and family usually share light refreshments and time for remembrance. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is what to say on a death anniversary. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Funeral guests frequently give gifts of money to the family before the funeral. 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. Traditionally, black and white funeral or mourning flags are placed outside the home to follow the road to the main thoroughfare. If the deceased is to be cremated, the procession route is to the crematory where family members stand vigil while the body is cremated. According to the locals belief, the soul may get lost without this trace. The Vietnamese funeral you attend in the U.S. may have some of the traditions above or all of them. The great mourning time for a funeral in Vietnam is 3 years, but in reality only lasts 27 months, while there are many types of small mourning periods, ranging from 3 months to a year. This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. Guests are expected to bow toward the loved one as a sign of appreciation for lessons regarding impermanence of life. Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. As other superstitions in Vietnamese funerals, this is not suitable for a civilized lifestyle, is economically costly, affects environmental sanitation, and spreads diseases. 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. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. For the fourth-generation grandchildren, a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, while the fifth-generation great-grandchild must use the red ones. If the deceased will be cremated, then this is likely to be a final aspect of the service. There is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say goodbye. Meanwhile, a family member will block off evil spirits by marking each corner of the coffin with a knife. 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. 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. Honor your loved one with a free online memorial. This ensures the deceased an easy journey to eternity. The deceased continues to lives as an ancestor. 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. Arriving at a funeral empty-handed is not a good gesture. In some places, grandsons and granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, while grandchildren have blue dots on theirs. 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. Loss is hard. The flowers are gathered and taken to the cemetery or crematory. The next morning comes signifying its time for the procession. arent played at Buddhist ceremonies. During these 49 days, the soul is on its journey into the afterlife. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. Incense is set on the altar and burned. Instead, this is a festive day during which family members and friends gather to honor their family members who have passed away. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. Find comforting things to say and know what to avoid when you reach out to someone who has had a miscarriage. Since then, the religion and philosophy has prevailed in many aspects of society. Families create an altar featuring offerings and a portrait of the deceased. Families re-bury bones in Northern Vietnam after three years in shrines. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. They often keep their loved one at home after their death for anywhere ranging from three days to a month. The body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance of the house. Meanwhile, the music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away. They often light an incense stick and bow one or three times before the casket. In popular Vietnamese culture, the animistic folk religions were melded with, rather than supplanted by religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianis Worshiping ancestors is not only a channel to show respect and honor, but is also a channel to ask for favors and divine help. 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. Hi, my name is Bich, and I do love traveling a lot. Specialty property includes monuments, private and semi-private estates (20% savings). Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. 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. 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. He then pours wine and burns incense previously placed in the altar. Staff Writers. The Vietnamese celebrate this event and invite the spirits of their family members to visit their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities. Some sects burn the paper to speed its process in reaching the deceased in the afterlife. 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. It even has its own nameo ng B. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. Out of respect for this, you can light an odd number of incense or candles as part of your offering.). Then, the head of the family will thank guests and ask them to join the procession to the final resting place. The length of a Vietnamese funeral can vary. What do white and yellow headbands mean at a Vietnamese funeral? 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. Visitation may last days, and keeping the casket open is considered a sign of respect. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). Buddhist and Catholic beliefs shape death views in their own right. in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. For example, I was shocked to discover that Americans and perhaps, most citizens of the Western world do not photograph funerals or wakes. Each family member places a food offering on the altar. . If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. Common meat cooked during Dam Gio include chicken, duck, seafood, and beef. Vietnam or Viet Nam (Vietnamese: Vit Nam, [vt nm] ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Altar Layout: Buddhist funerals feature an altar with photos or statues of Buddha and offerings, as well as photos and objects that honor the person who has died. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. In ancient times, the flags were also used as an announcement there was a death at the home. Prayers, readings, and singing may be part of the service, depending on the religious affiliations and beliefs of the family. subject to our Terms of Use. 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. Living things like rivers, rocks, trees, and mountains all have a spirit. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . Variations within the Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious . 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 right words can bring comfort during the holidays. Monks chant and pray in the days leading to the funeral and during the ceremony. The ceremony you see may be different depending on the region and country of the deceased but the community involvement is the same. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio, its customary to arrive with a. . This link will open in a new window. NOTE: Understanding the role culture plays in health care is essential. 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. Many religious Vietnamese families are Buddhists. Close family members hold prayer services before laying the deceased in the coffin. This link will open in a new window. Instead of celebrating individual birthdays, families join together in death anniversaries. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. advice. Twitter. 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. Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. Not all Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral, but most do. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. Here are the most common funeral rituals so you can know. 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. Thai funeral customs vary according to the cause of death as well as the age, gender and social position of the deceased. After the body has been interred, the funeral procession returns to the home where a meal is served. Instagram. Create a free website to honor your loved one. Catholic funeral customs, like a mass and wake, are interwoven with Buddhist protocols to create a unique funeral experience. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. Vietnamese Burials, Mourning, and Death Anniversaries The burial is another time for the family to grieve and say their last goodbye. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. Mourners often wear white headbands. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. Knowing what to expect can help those attending or participating in a German funeral service to better understand and appreciate the solemn event. This link will open in a new window. The most suitable are white lotus flowers as it symbolises purification. 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. Loss is hard. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. A nice funeral flower stand is also a great choice. Animistic beliefs (that all objects, people, and places have a spirit) are the cornerstone of Vietnamese funerals. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. The death anniversary in Vietnam is an important event that gathers all family members together to remember those who have gone on before. 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. A typical funeral music band includes trumpet, drum, and Vietnamese two-chord fiddle playing. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. 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. The family members return home once the body has been consumed by fire and the next morning, they return to collect the ashes. Death is another part of life for Vietnamese Buddhists. 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. Incense is lit, and offerings are made as part of the ceremony. Death Rituals & Traditions Around the Globe. Odd numbers are considered lucky by the Vietnamese, and when lighting incense, guests should choose three or five sticks, with three being the ideal. Celebrating a Death Anniversary in Vietnam. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. In South America, people celebrate the Day of the Dead in November, and in Vietnam, this celebration is Dam Gio. The funeral music band follows with bittersweet melodies then comes family and guests. During the afternoon, food and offerings are arranged in front of an altar, and food is served on the table. 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. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, 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. Embalming and organ donation are acceptable in the Catholic faith. 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. Vietnamese funerals both shows love and mourning for the deceased, and helps the living move on with their lives. German death tra, The Amish are a unique people with their own distinct culture and traditions. The prayer may also include moments where younger members of the family bow to the spirits of the elders to pay respect and show honor. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. Theological and Cultural Foundation., www.macsphere.mcmaster.ca/bitstream/11375/10557/1/fulltext.pdf. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). Designed specifically with the cultural needs of Asian families in mind, the Hua Yuan Ceremonial Complex includes two modern chapels. When back from the procession, the family will invite guests to lunch or dinner to show gratitude. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Confucianism was introduced in Vietnam during the Chinese conquest. 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. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service Rice production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of a strong sense of community in Vietnamese villages. generalized educational content about wills. Do you still have questions about attending a Vietnamese funeral? Now that youre familiar with Vietnams religious history, lets take a look at how religions influence modern funeral customs. Ethnic people believe that when the children are not breastfed, they will eventually die, so do-tom-ami will help bring the child back to the mother, receiving better care. The second day is considered the main day of Dam Gio. The first Vietnamese believed they were the descendants of a dragon and an angel. Ethnic groups, like the Hmong, slaughter cows to make sure the deceased travels into the afterlife. The purpose of Dam Gio is to provide offerings to passed loved ones, so they are comfortable wherever they are. Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. I have a huge passion for exploring new places & different cultures. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. 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. If you're worried about selecting the right arrangement, white flowers are generally a welcome sympathy gift at a Vietnamese funeral, especially the white lotus. Therefore, it's bad luck to carry a corpse home. There are many unique elements that go into making up the ceremony of Dam Gio. Ghosts in Vietnam are known to take on many forms and do not fit into one category. Next to. 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. A Buddhist funeral is simple, solemn and dignified, usually occurring within a week after death. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. The mourning period is determined by the family will invite guests to lunch dinner..., then placed in the Catholic faith follow the road to the or... 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