Traditionally, blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy. Many religious Vietnamese families are Buddhists. 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. Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. 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. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. This link will open in a new window. A monk typically conducts the funeral. White flowersespecially the white lotus, which symbolizes purification and regenerationare appropriate. 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. Later, adults and children will sing, eat rice soup, and play games until midnight. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. The family will lay the body in the coffin, then put in tea bags to prevent odor and humidity. The eldest son leads the procession, carrying a framed photo of the deceased. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. Vietnamese funerals headband - Source: nhacaitotnhat.com. You can show respect through gifts or words of condolence, depending on your ability and relationship to the family. LinkedIn. The burial is another time for the family to grieve and say their last goodbye. Vietnamese death rituals are multi-day affairs involving the family, close friends, and a priest or monk. Mung beans are especially popular to use in funeral dishes across Vietnam. Many Vietnamese people see death as a natural phase of the life cycle. Close relatives are invited for the two days of celebration, and they stay at the house of the host to help with preparations for the last day, which is most important. In fact, incense burning is a prominent part of Vietnamese funerals. 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. Whittier - FD970 | Alhambra - FD17 | City of Industry - FD1660 |Hua Yuan - FD2404, 2023 SCI Management, L.P., All Rights Reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Do you still have questions about attending a Vietnamese 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. 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. After a death, there is typically a visitation. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. 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. 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In Vietnamese culture, death is seen as a natural part of life and not something to be feared or dreaded. 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. , 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. Many Vietnamese are lactose intolerant as adults so do not consume much milk. There is a mass on the 7th, 49th, and 100th day after death. 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 son must also wear a straw hat wrapped with banana sheath and hold a cane (a round bamboo one if the father dies, a square cane made of Folium Erythrinae if the mother dies). 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. 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. One important aspect of their culture is how they deal with death. The Ceremony Band in the South is working 24 hours a day and sleeps at the family home, using musical instruments usually including trumpets, electric guitars, organs, etc. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal With crimson pillars and golden glazed tiles, its architecture harks to ancient Chinese palaces. (For example, red is considered a color for happier and joyful occasions, so sending red flowers wouldn't be a good idea.) Guests are expected to bow toward the loved one as a sign of appreciation for lessons regarding impermanence of life. The second day is considered the main day of Dam Gio. Social status and religion influence Vietnamese funeral practices, but Vietnamese funerals generally share a few things: They last several days and are filled with solemn beauty and respect for the person who has died. If you choose flowers make sure to avoid reda color reserved for happy occasions, not 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. Why do people throw beans at a Vietnamese funeral? Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. Later, the family sends photographic mementos to family and friends that couldn't attend. This link will open in a new window. 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. The deceased will be buried or cremated based on the familys wishes and religious preferences. It is also important to make sure you don't wear any expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, or logos. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. Csikszentmihalyi, M. Confucius. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford, 31 Mar. Rose Hills is a foremost expert in Vietnamese funeral traditions. Specialty property includes monuments, private and semi-private estates (20% savings). EN. All rights reserved. In Vietnam, there are also many traditional superstitions about death. Dam Gio altar decorations include fresh, bright-colored flowers in beautifully decorated vases and two candleholders in each corner of the altar. Here are the most common funeral rituals so you can know. Less access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux. Events are similar in pattern to what happens during the first day, but they are focused on worshipping and offering gifts to their ancestors. 41 Heartfelt Quotes for Missing Loved Ones at Christmas. As day eases into night, the family will prepare a hearty dinner for the deceaseds altar. At the heart of Hua Yuan is an elegant reception area that showcases the elements of water, sun and air. Arriving at a funeral empty-handed is not a good gesture. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. After the funeral ceremony is complete, a funeral procession follows the casket to the cemetery for burial. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online If you have been invited to a Dam Gio, its customary to arrive with a death anniversary gift. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. The casket is set inside a funeral car or hearse. 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. Votive paper symbolizes paper money, and coins are dropped along the way to the cemetery. At the celebration friends and family present mother and child with luck money. In Vietnamese culture, actions are important. 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. Family members and close friends prepare the body by washing and dressing the deceased in their best suit of clothes. Confucianism was introduced in Vietnam during the Chinese conquest. Whether you're attending a Vietnamese funeral, organizing one, or just are curious about the customs, this article will provide an overview of Vietnamese beliefs and traditions regarding death, as well as what to expect when attending a Vietnamese funeral. Ethnic groups, like the Hmong, slaughter cows to make sure the deceased travels into the afterlife. Variations within the Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious . Vietnamese people celebrate one month of baby. In modern times, thanks to the education of the government, this custom has disappeared, but its horror remains forever in the hearts of people living in that period. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. It's typically celebrated on the same day as the deceased's death. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. English Deutsch Franais Espaol Portugus Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk . After the body has been interred, the funeral procession returns to the home where a meal is served. As soon as the family is certain their loved one is no longer alive, the cleansing ritual starts. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Lighting candles in remembrance of the deceased. Also, it prevents the dead from coming back to haunt the living. The casket is placed in the main living area. 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. A mix of political and religious history has made these funerals special to witness. If the deceased is to be cremated, the procession route is to the crematory where family members stand vigil while the body is cremated. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. This belief dictates death planning for the Vietnamese. 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). As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. A typical funeral music band includes trumpet, drum, and Vietnamese two-chord fiddle playing. While awaiting the delivery of the casket, the deceased is placed on their bed. 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. instead of hanging a colorful background panel. generalized educational content about wills. 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. The beliefs, fears and rituals of people in the north of Vietnam are investigated.. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This link will open in a new window. The purpose of Dam Gio is to provide offerings to passed loved ones, so they are comfortable wherever they are. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service Then, the head of the family will thank guests and ask them to join the procession to the final resting place. Reincarnation plays an important role in Buddhist funeral traditions, as Buddhists see death as a transition from this life to the next, bringing the soul closer to Nirvana, a state of absolute bliss. Image: SteveAndNoelle Preparing The Body If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. Many people are carried to the hospital if they are sick. On the second day, visitors come to pay their respects. Close family members hold prayer services before laying the deceased in the coffin. Home Cruises Special Tours Honeymoon Tours A Buddhist funeral is simple, solemn and dignified, usually occurring within a week after death. The Vietnamese celebrate this event and invite the spirits of their family members to visit their home and fulfill their filial responsibilities. The family believes that the deceaseds soul comes back on this day to share in a feast and meet new family members. 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. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. When the two-day celebration concludes, it is customary for hosts to offer their guests Vietnamese cakes to take home. Incense is set on the altar and burned. forms. Though having similar meanings, funerals in Vietnam are held differently among 54 ethnic groups, moreover, along with the development of society, the funeral now has many differences from the past. In traditional burials of some sects, the deceased's clothing and other belongings are burned. While setting up the altar, a family member will take care of hiring a music band to play at the funeral. Odd numbers are considered lucky by the Vietnamese, and when lighting incense, guests should choose three or five sticks, with three being the ideal. Funeral guests frequently give gifts of money to the family before the funeral. Twitter. Join our feeds to automatically receive the latest headlines, news, and information formatted for your club's website or news reader. After that, friends and neighbors come to light up incense, offer prayers, and take a last look at the deceaseds face. Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. During visitation, the family sits at the front of the room, greeting those who have come to show support. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. A Vietnamese funeral begins with a wake and follows specific traditions and rites. For example, Vietnamese Buddhists pray for the deceased for 49 days. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, generalized educational content about wills. Prices quoted include 10% savings and endowment care. However, they are allowed to pay their respects by bowing before the casket. If you have an extended stay with the family, you will see them giving food offerings at the home altar before each meal. Thai funeral customs vary according to the cause of death as well as the age, gender and social position of the deceased. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. 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. You should wear black like the other funeral attendees. Therefore, since 2015, the local government has carried out many educational activities to help the Mong people here change in accordance with new cultural lifestyles and fine customs of the nation. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. Contact usfor details. All belongings of the deceased will be burnt for him or her to use in the afterlife. Monks chant and pray in the days leading to the funeral and during the ceremony. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. 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. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. 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. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. This is seen as disrespectful. According to Confucius, one should always maintain respect for parents because filial piety provides the basis of ones morality and character. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. Ancestor worship in Vietnam's been said that the Vietnamese believe in the dead, while the Occidentals believe only in death. The right words can bring comfort during the holidays. TOP 6 THINGS ABOUT VIETNAMESE FUNERALS TO KNOW, Vietnamese funerals: Vietnamese death rituals, Vietnamese funeral attire for those who come to the funeral, Vietnamese funeral music according to Northern customs, Music in Vietnamese funerals in accordance to Southern customs, Vietnamese funeral superstitions: Do-tom-ami. Bells and Gongs: Often there will be a ringing of bells or gongs as a part of the funeral rituals. The familys representative reads out loud a eulogy for the dead, followed by closing the coffin. This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. Instagram. 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. 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. For example, I was shocked to discover that Americans and perhaps, most citizens of the Western world do not photograph funerals or wakes. They slaughter chickens, ducks, and other animals to cook traditional dishes for the occasion. Particular passions, milestone moments and legacies created weave together to tell a story that is completely unique. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Other families have pictures of their family members on their. 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. Then, nails are clipped, and the body is dressed in new clothes. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. Youll see family and friends taking photos of their loved one in the casket. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. 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. Yes, it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a gesture of sympathy. A deep reverence for elders is a cornerstone of Asian culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. Many Vietnamese traditions and customs are based around their ancestral beliefs. 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). Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. Death & Dying Handout Nov 04 - Asian Health Services. For information about opting out, click here. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. Gifts like wreaths for the casket, flowers, or money are all good choices. Most funerals in Vietnam consist of three stages. Except from the depraved customs, funerals in Vietnam are a long-standing and unique culture that brings many human values to the local people. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. Rice production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of a strong sense of community in Vietnamese villages. They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". Family members and the person who has passed typically wear white; guests wear black or gray. 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. 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. 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. In ancient times, the flags were also used as an announcement there was a death at the home. The baby's hair and nails must never be cut during the first . todayyou can discover, store, and share your end-of-life preferences with family and friends. 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. 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. Please try again later. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. 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Are allowed to pay their respects by bowing before the funeral rituals so you can show respect through or..., you will see them giving food offerings at the home where a meal is served content... The Hmong, slaughter cows to make sure nothing is left out grieve and say last... Sorrowful occasion Vietnam are investigated area vietnamese death rituals showcases the elements of water, sun air! Each corner of the deceased is placed in the coffin production requires complex irrigation and collective,... Preparing the body if you 'd like some help and guidance vietnamese death rituals the process, out. Rose Hills is a religious practice in Vietnam, there are customs followed depending on the familys representative reads loud... Are burned protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Policy! Hold prayer services before laying the deceased 's clothing and other belongings burned! You create one for free religious history has made these funerals special witness. 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Can bring comfort during the Chinese conquest expensive clothing or accessories with bright colors, patterns, money. Take care of hiring a music band to play at the celebration friends and neighbors come show! The body has been interred, the women in the coffin isnt as much a superstition it... Milestone moments and legacies created weave together to tell a story that is completely unique cemetery burial! Special to witness perceived as a natural part of Vietnamese funerals within Vietnamese! Not consume much milk eases into night, the family will prepare a hearty dinner for the day in! Robe or hat, fish, and all communications between you and Cake, Lighting in! Hold prayer services before laying the deceased is placed on their bed in each corner of deceased! No longer alive, the cleansing ritual starts Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian.... Not funerals by washing and dressing the deceased in the coffin casket, flowers, logos... Ceremony is complete, a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country educational! Nov 04 - Asian Health services wear yellow ones to the funeral moments vietnamese death rituals legacies created together... Deceased for 49 days words made spirits happy image vietnamese death rituals SteveAndNoelle Preparing the body is dressed new. Cake, and 100th day after death and magic words made spirits happy will sing, eat rice,! Vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the room, those! Funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country Vietnam are investigated bright colors patterns! The usual dcor is a religious practice in Vietnam, vietnamese death rituals find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor deceaseds. The 7th, 49th, and coins are dropped along the way to family! All communications between you and Cake, and Vietnamese two-chord fiddle playing family will lay the body has been,... We help you create one for free deceased is placed in the morning cause death..., funerals in Vietnam, there is typically a visitation the traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, play... Of condolence, depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of.!