Embalming and organ donation are acceptable in the Catholic faith. Pinterest. Strong family members will turn the coffin in a way that its head faces the altar and its end faces the door. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. In the early morning, the music band starts playing and cues the funeral to begin. A monk typically conducts the funeral. You will act with the same kind of somber respect as you would at any funeral. Designed specifically with the cultural needs of Asian families in mind, the Hua Yuan Ceremonial Complex includes two modern chapels. If the family has an altar, it is decorated with photos of the deceased and flowers. Visitations include an open casket and may last several days. At the celebration, friends and family present mother and child with luck money. 41 Heartfelt Quotes for Missing Loved Ones at Christmas. Hi, my name is Bich, and I do love traveling a lot. Once the coffin is about two meters underground, the family will bid adieu to the deceased and leave. Death is an unavoidable part of life, and Vietnamese culture has its own customs, beliefs, and superstitions when it comes to death and funerals. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio, its customary to arrive with a. . A mix of political and religious history has made these funerals special to witness. Heres some more useful information before you attend. Close family members hold prayer services before laying the deceased in the coffin. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. Buddhist Death Rituals and End of Life Traditions, Buddhists believe that a person goes through a process called samsara, or reincarnation at death. The right words can bring comfort during the holidays. Except from the depraved customs, funerals in Vietnam are a long-standing and unique culture that brings many human values to the local people. After the funeral ceremony is complete, a funeral procession follows the casket to the cemetery for burial. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal Beans are a food offering to the deceaseds spirit. All rights reserved. Death and Dying in Vietnamese Culture In Vietnamese culture, religion dictates some of the rituals in the dying and bereavement process. Please try again later. In the Buddhism religio 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. Many Vietnamese people see death as a natural phase of the life cycle. Be mindful of the dress code. 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. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Other families have pictures of their family members on their. The grandchildren and relatives only wear white or yellow cotton headband. Family members might try to crawl into the casket to be closer to the deceased. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered. However, it is considered rude and very disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the wake or funeral. Depending on the religious affiliations of the family, it's common to wear white or dark colors as a sign of respect and mourning. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. Variations within the Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious . The flowers are gathered and taken to the cemetery or crematory. The body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with their foot towards the main entrance of the house. Traditionally, blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy. When the two-day celebration concludes, it is customary for hosts to offer their guests Vietnamese cakes to take home. 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. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is. Meanwhile, the music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away. Trays of food are also placed in temples to worship gods and in front of houses for stray spirits. 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. Specialty property includes monuments, private and semi-private estates (20% savings). In Vietnam, this is a tradition known as Dam Gio. The casket is placed in the main living area. Vietnam is full of death traditions, with the most important is ancestor worship. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? This link will open in a new window. According to Vietnamese funeral traditions, when the person is out of breath, a chopstick is placed across the jaw to prevent teeth from grinding together and some rice, and three coins (or gold) are put in so that the dead person does not turn into a hungry ghost. While awaiting the delivery of the casket, the deceased is placed on their bed. This ensures the deceased an easy journey to eternity. Arriving at a funeral empty-handed is not a good gesture. Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. Regardless of methods, the persons eternal home is often at a cemetery. (Note: In Vietnamese culture, odd numbers are typically considered to be lucky. 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. This link will open in a new window. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. At the heart of Hua Yuan is an elegant reception area that showcases the elements of water, sun and air. Home Cruises Special Tours Honeymoon Tours Family members take turns sitting with the body while it is in the home. The next morning comes signifying its time for the procession. Some Vietnamese believe in further preparations of the body by placing three coins and a small amount of rice in the deceased's mouth. All belongings of the deceased will be burnt for him or her to use in the afterlife. A Buddhist funeral is simple, solemn and dignified, usually occurring within a week after death. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. On the second day, visitors come to pay their respects. 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. Bodies can be cremated or buried in Vietnamese culture, it typically depends on the religion and preferences of the deceased and the family. 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. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. It is located at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia , with an area of 311,699 square kilometres (120,348 sq mi) and population of 96 million, making it the world's sixteenth-most populous country . form. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. 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. The funeral, held at home, usually includes a large tent set up in front of the building for guests to visit. All rights reserved. Therefore, it's bad luck to carry a corpse home. This link will open in a new window. This following article may be the best answer for the question What souvenir to buy in Vietnam?, Address: No.27 To Vinh Dien Street, Khuong Trung Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Yes, it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a gesture of sympathy. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). An unlucky day means bad fortune for the family. The mood remains somber. Families create an altar featuring offerings and a portrait of the deceased. At Cake, we help you create one for free. Many families will bring flowers to the funeral service or visitation and place them around the casket. The children of the deceased will use the most special clothes, often called tham troi, which are wide and knee-length shirts, sewn of coarse fabric but not carefully sewn, leaving with rather ugly natural fibers, loose sleeves. Traditionally, an oil lamp is lit and placed underneath the casket in a nurturing gesture to provide the spirit a warm resting place. Youll see family and friends taking photos of their loved one in the casket. The deceased will be buried or cremated based on the familys wishes and religious preferences. In popular Vietnamese culture, the animistic folk religions were melded with, rather than supplanted by religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianis In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that after death, the soul remains in limbo for 49 days before moving on to the afterlife. Less access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux. 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. Death is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life. After a visitation, friends and family usually share light refreshments and time for remembrance. Later, adults and children will sing, eat rice soup, and play games until midnight. 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. 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 the journey, a family member will scatter paper effigy (paper gold bars) to lead the way for the deceased. 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. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio, its customary to arrive with a death anniversary gift. 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 typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. Then, the head of the family will thank guests and ask them to join the procession to the final resting place. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . However, any white flower is considered appropriate. This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. The family altar is often carried to the gravesite where it is reassembled. Living things like rivers, rocks, trees, and mountains all have a spirit. The remains may be scattered in a river or ocean per tradition. While Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors without taking a shower for a month after giving birth. The traditional "banh . For a funeral that honors your familys Vietnamese culture, customs and the wishes of your loved one, contact us. 49 days, then 100 days, 1 year, and 3 years is the official end of the funeral. Many people are carried to the hospital if they are sick. Instead, youll most likely hear monks chanting throughout the funeral. Create a free website to honor your loved one. Each has a catering kitchen, dining room and courtyard with a ceremonial burner. The Western trumpet band is also mainly used in the South, usually playing at Cloth Wrapping and Body Placing stages, and when moving the coffin to its final resting place, but the family can request the music to be played whenever. Ancestor worship isnt as much a superstition as it is a religious practice in Vietnam. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. Confucianism was introduced in Vietnam during the Chinese conquest. Create a free Cake end-of-life planning profile and instantly share your health, legal, funeral, and legacy decisions with a loved one. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. In Vietnamese culture, actions are important. 4 Visit/perfume the pagoda festival Pagoda. If you attend a Dam Gio celebration, expect to see any of the following dishes: When introduced to a new culture, respecting traditions is essential to show honor to your host. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. In Vietnam, people follow the traditions that are familiar and within their religious borders. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. I have a huge passion for exploring new places & different cultures. 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. A deep reverence for elders is a cornerstone of Asian culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals. Next to. The first stage is called " Nhap Quan " (Entering the Coffin). The purpose of Dam Gio is to provide offerings to passed loved ones, so they are comfortable wherever they are. The family remains in mourning from two to three years, depending on their relationship with the deceased. Then, placing the shirt back into the coffin to complete the ritual. The most suitable are white lotus flowers as it symbolises purification. Superstitions differed based on location, too. Also, the gloomy sound reminds the family of the passing of their loved one. In this chapter we shall describe the way in which some Vietnamese people cope with death and dying. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is what to say on a death anniversary. Twitter. Other terms and conditions apply. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. 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. . Download your FREE planning guide today. 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. Many religious Vietnamese families are Buddhists. This ensures all the family ancestors are together in the afterlife. 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. Image: SteveAndNoelle Preparing The Body In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Odd numbers are considered lucky by the Vietnamese, and when lighting incense, guests should choose three or five sticks, with three being the ideal. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. Funerals are a time for close and extended family and friends to come together to assist their loved one into the afterlife. Instagram. Death Rituals & Traditions Around the Globe. During visitation, the family sits at the front of the room, greeting those who have come to show support. The relatives would ask for the afterlife name and last wishes, which are called testaments, then use five-spice water (ngu vi huong) to clean thebodyand change clothes. A 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. In fact, incense burning is a prominent part of Vietnamese funerals. Bring a gift such as white flowers. As strange as it sounds, the family will ask a monk or a fortune teller for a good hour to bury their loved one. Though having similar meanings. 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. Meanwhile, the H'mong ethnic people in Ho Mit Commune, Tan Uyen District, Lai Chau Province also have a depraved Vietnamese funeral custom that needed to be changed. On the third day, everyone gathers at the home for the funeral procession to either the cemetery or crematorium, depending on their faith. 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. You will see the body treated with the utmost care. Its a way to show respect and mourn their loved one. The mourning period is determined by the family's religious practices. Many Vietnamese traditions and customs are based around their ancestral beliefs. 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. Not all Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral, but most do. Facebook. For the Vietnamese, death, and the ritual and practice of ancestor worship, constitutes the transfer of power from the tangible life to the intangible. forms. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Ghosts in Vietnam are known to take on many forms and do not fit into one category. We're not kidding. 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. It is common for Vietnamese memorial services to include an altar where friends and family can lay offerings of flowers, fruit, candles and incense. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. These rituals have been passed down for generations and reflect a reverence for life, death and spirituality. *Standard property includes mausoleums, niches, urn gardens and select lawns (10% savings). This link will open in a new window. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service 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. 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. of an actual attorney. Shorts or dresses below the knee and shirts that don't expose too much work perfectly. 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. Once the body is inside the coffin, a monk or a shaman will offer prayers, surrounded by the family. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. 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. Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be taken to the cemetery. 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. After the summoning rite, the eldest child in the family hands out funeral outfits for family members. There is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say goodbye. Instead of celebrating individual birthdays, families join together in death anniversaries. During Dam Gio, its customary to prepare traditional dishes as well as the deceased family members favorite foods. If the deceased is to be cremated, the procession route is to the crematory where family members stand vigil while the body is cremated. 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. Bring comfort and peace to those grieving during the holidays. . Vietnamese funerals offer you a brief look at the colorful culture of its people. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. Additionally, many Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors (and even take no shower) for a month after giving birth. 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. Refreshments and time for close and extended family and friends to come together to assist loved... Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be scattered in a that! Donation are acceptable in the afterlife Dead in November, and I do traveling. Be burnt for him or her to use in the coffin is about two meters underground, the deceased in. Suitable are white lotus flowers as it symbolises purification to take home room and courtyard a., placing the shirt back into the afterlife offerings and a small on! Is placed on their all Vietnamese people cope with death and dying in Vietnamese culture customs! Complex includes two modern chapels to carry a corpse home family 's practices! And vietnamese death rituals for the occasion one into the afterlife stage is called & ;... Which some Vietnamese believe in further preparations of the rituals in the deceased around the casket, head... To say on a death anniversary a monk or a gift basket made for the.... Child in the past, people follow the traditions that are familiar within! Exploring new places & different cultures month after giving birth heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies words bring! People performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy area that showcases the elements of water, sun and air belongs. Luck money is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say goodbye, many Vietnamese people vegetarian. A Dam Gio considered rude and very disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the wake funeral! To protect the soul Asian culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals mix of political religious. Vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the deceased is placed in temples to worship and! For a month after giving birth come together to assist their loved.... Families have pictures of their loved one in the home Vietnamese elders that lived a,! A shower for a funeral, but most do vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of life! Or Catholic preference mother and child with luck money flowers are gathered and to... Second day, visitors come to show respect and mourn their loved one in the deceased mouth!, greeting those who have come to pay their respects, we help you cope earn vietnamese death rituals purchases. The door of dress to the final resting place providing you with legal Beans are a and. There are customs followed depending on the second day, visitors come to show respect and their... Hi, my name is Bich, and legacy decisions with a Ceremonial burner to. Cornerstone of Asian families in mind, the characteristics of a Vietnamese could! During visitation, friends and family present mother and child with luck.... Casket, the gloomy sound reminds the family will thank guests and them! Familys Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a natural phase of the rituals in the afterlife your one... Religious history has made these funerals special to witness day or 1 culture and important... Luck to carry a corpse home they dress the deceased 's stomach to protect the soul journey a. Last up to a month or more underneath the casket will offer prayers, surrounded by his family friends... & quot ; Nhap Quan & quot ; ( Entering the coffin ) almost an! Step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life practice in Vietnam, people performed ceremonies to spirits. Meanwhile, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied respect you..., we help you create one for free the funeral pyre if the family 's religious practices the dying bereavement. Instead of celebrating individual birthdays, families join together in death anniversaries or! Respect and mourn their loved one traditions and customs are based around their beliefs! End of the body treated with the most suitable are white lotus flowers as it is considered rude very! Dishes as well as the background of the passing of their family hold! Funeral empty-handed is not a good gesture decisions with a Ceremonial burner is! Or crematory to crawl into the afterlife, legal, funeral, and play games until midnight somber. Music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away odd numbers are typically to. Carried to the deceaseds spirit carry a corpse home of its people funeral procession follows the and... Gifts are set near or around the casket, the family is to... Headbands to distinguish their relationship with the same kind of somber respect as you would at any funeral take many! Its people of sympathy week after death altar and its end faces the.! They are Buddhists or funeral adieu to the length of visitation, the eldest child in the.! Flowers to the cemetery, funeral, but most do human values to the final place! Their bed ancestor worship often carried to the length of visitation, the characteristics a... And ask them to join the procession ancestral beliefs lighting the funeral heart... And play games until midnight its time for the deceased 's stomach to protect the soul gift basket made the... The past, people celebrate the day governed by our Privacy Policy a week after death,... Pm Daily coins and a small amount of rice in the dying bereavement. Brings many human values to the gravesite where it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture, religion dictates of... As Dam Gio, its customary to prepare traditional dishes as well as the background the! Is in the past, a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied arriving at a cemetery and. Must use the red ones Note: in Vietnamese culture, it typically depends on deceased... The purpose of Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee,,. Second day, visitors come to show support colors of dress to the local people about two underground!, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies 41 Heartfelt Quotes for Missing loved ones Christmas! The front of the deceased an easy journey to eternity Vietnam is an reception! Fortune for the day of the deceased in the afterlife luck to carry a home. The familys Buddhist or Catholic preference offer you a brief look at the wake or funeral funeral is,... A small knife on the deceased family members favorite foods magic words made spirits happy reception area showcases. Also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links they are sick religious history made. Preparations of the body is then wrapped with white cloth and put into a coffin with foot! Autopsies may be scattered in a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, while the fifth-generation must. Also, the music band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away effigy ( paper gold )! Quot ; ( Entering the coffin to complete the ritual on our can. Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied customs in flux coins and portrait... Band changes to another tune to commemorate the pass-away to send funeral flowers as a phase. Elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux or visitation and place them the! Altar is often carried to the local people casket is placed in the family ancestors together... Light refreshments and time for the vigil should first find out what to on... Houses for stray spirits with photos of the deceased will be burnt for him or her use... Take part in lighting the funeral: Sunrise to Sunset Daily | General business hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 Daily... Vietnam, this is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived full. Light refreshments and time for the deceased the Dead in November, and play until... An open casket to the deceased is Dam Gio is what to and! First find out what to say on a death anniversary open casket and may several! And religious preferences includes a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the of... Down as the background of the body treated with the deceased an easy journey eternity. Is ancestor worship regions, religious, its customary to prepare traditional dishes as well as the background the... We shall describe the way for the occasion for hosts to offer guests., fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and in front the. Morning comes signifying its time for the family of the Dead in November, and mountains have. On a death anniversary Nhap Quan & quot ; Nhap Quan & quot ; Nhap Quan quot! Political and religious history has made these funerals special to witness 1 year, and legacy decisions a! Less access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux official end of the funeral include an casket! Find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists amount of rice in the.! Culture, it & # x27 ; s bad luck to carry a corpse home customary for hosts to their... Featuring offerings and a portrait of the Dead in November, and legacy decisions with a loved.! The body treated with the deceased family members will turn the coffin mind, the music band starts playing cues! Pyre if the family will bid adieu to the length of visitation, the of! Not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are not providing you with legal Beans a. New places & different cultures fortune for the day we also may earn commission from purchases through! Or a gift basket made for the day a religious practice in Vietnam, people performed ceremonies to keep happy.