Knowing what to expect can help those attending or participating in a German funeral service to better understand and appreciate the solemn event. LinkedIn. . 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. Family members and the person who has passed typically wear white; guests wear black or gray. Not all Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral, but most do. 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. Facebook. Note:No matter what a family's culture and traditions are, planning or attending a funeral is hard. The funeral, held at home, usually includes a large tent set up in front of the building for guests to visit. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. 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. Most Vietnamese Buddhists Belong to the Mahayana school. In the Vietnamese culture, remembering the death of a loved one and conducting a death ceremony is a filial act. Dam Gio altar decorations include fresh, bright-colored flowers in beautifully decorated vases and two candleholders in each corner of the altar. In Vietnam, people follow the traditions that are familiar and within their religious borders. A nice funeral flower stand is also a great choice. 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. 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. These define the way to the home so mourners can find their way to the wake to pay their respects. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service A funeral procession is a colorful event. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). They can be "pleasant and feared, harmless and dangerous, moral creatures and unhappy suicides, male and female, human and un-human". If the family has an altar, it is decorated with photos of the deceased and flowers. A bowl of rice, a boiled egg, a small plate of salt, and a small cup of water are what they need to prepare. More guests tend to arrive with gifts such as fruit, wine, and baskets with tea, nuts, and alcohol. German death tra, The Amish are a unique people with their own distinct culture and traditions. If youre a close family member youll wear a white robe or hat. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal 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. In a Vietnamese Catholic home, you will find altars to God and the deceased next to each other. 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. During the afternoon, food and offerings are arranged in front of an altar, and food is served on the table. Its a way to show respect and mourn their loved one. During the journey, a family member will scatter paper effigy (paper gold bars) to lead the way for the deceased. This link will open in a new window. 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. Additionally, many Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors (and even take no shower) for a month after giving birth. However, they are allowed to pay their respects by bowing before the casket. While Buddhist funeral customs vary from country to country, Buddhists often choose cremation. 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. Once the body is inside the coffin, a monk or a shaman will offer prayers, surrounded by the family. In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. For a funeral that honors your familys Vietnamese culture, customs and the wishes of your loved one, contact us. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. To Vietnamese, the passing of a person is as important as his birth. The usual dcor is a banana bunch, a pomelo, seasonal fruits, and a picture frame of the deceased. Living things like rivers, rocks, trees, and mountains all have a spirit. Many families prefer to wear white headbands, while others choose to wear yellow ones to the funeral. During this time, the worshiping ceremony (le cau sieu) - one of the most important Vietnamese funeral rituals, is held every week until the seventh week, i.e. Cake values integrity and transparency. Traditionally, blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy. 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. After the body has been interred, the funeral procession returns to the home where a meal is served. The family places the body in the coffin on the first day, relatives and friends visit on the second, and on the third, they bury or cremate the body (cremation is a traditional Buddhist approach, but customs differ among families). It even has its own name. All rights reserved. A mix of political and religious history has made these funerals special to witness. Vietnamese death rituals are multi-day affairs involving the family, close friends, and a priest or monk. If this guide brought up thoughts of your own funeral planning, cake can help. Not quite half of Vietnamese Americans are Buddhist. Contact usfor details. Pinterest. In the Vietnamese culture, remembering the death of a loved one and conducting a death ceremony is a filial act. The mood remains somber. Saying something thoughtful and empathetic can show your support, but it can be a c, What to Text Someone Who Is Grieving to Comfort Them, Although you might not feel like texting is the best way to reach out to comfort someone who's grieving, sometimes it's the most appropriate way to offer your condolences. In the past, a Vietnamese funeral could last up to a month or more. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. In general, discussion, avoid joking, negatively criticizing or discussing sensitive issues that involve the family, and being indifferent to the family's grief. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. 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. As other superstitions in Vietnamese funerals, this is not suitable for a civilized lifestyle, is economically costly, affects environmental sanitation, and spreads diseases. The eldest son leads the procession, carrying a framed photo of the deceased. After that, friends and neighbors come to light up incense, offer prayers, and take a last look at the deceaseds face. 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. A car adorned with funeral flags and flower arrangements leads the entourage. Rose Hills is a foremost expert in Vietnamese funeral traditions. A monk typically conducts the funeral. The ritual begins with food and meal preparations. 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. 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. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. This is seen as an important part of honoring the deceased and showing respect for their memory. This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. Many Vietnamese people see death as a natural phase of the life cycle. form. Visitations include an open casket and may last several days. Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. Families spend large amounts on funerals since they believe death is simply the beginning of the afterlife. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, The right words can bring comfort during the holidays. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. If the deceased will be cremated, then this is likely to be a final aspect of the service. 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. A Buddhist funeral is simple, solemn and dignified, usually occurring within a week after death. of an actual attorney. 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. A deep reverence for elders is a cornerstone of Asian culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals. After that, the family will cover the deceaseds face with a white sheet and light up candles next to where he or she rests. of an actual attorney. In modern times, and for practicalitys sake, home altars are now set up to ease the deceaseds journey into becoming an ancestor. At midnight, the family performs another ritual called l quay cu or the turn. Strong family members will turn the coffin in a way that its head faces the altar and its end faces the door. 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. If you'd like some help and guidance through the process, check out our post-loss checklist. The first Vietnamese believed they were the descendants of a dragon and an angel. Buddhist Death Rituals and End of Life Traditions, Buddhists believe that a person goes through a process called samsara, or reincarnation at death. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. Prayers, readings, and singing may be part of the service, depending on the religious affiliations and beliefs of the family. Instagram. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . The ceremony you see may be different depending on the region and country of the deceased but the community involvement is the same. As day eases into night, the family will prepare a hearty dinner for the deceaseds altar. These offerings include candles, incense, fruit, and other gifts. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. 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. Incense is set on the altar and burned. Vietnamese funerals both shows love and mourning for the deceased, and helps the living move on with their lives. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. 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. Hi, my name is Bich, and I do love traveling a lot. The family places a small knife on the deceased's stomach to protect the soul. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. There are many cultures with specific rituals and celebrations devoted to ancestral worship. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. The family bathes and washes the body. 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. During visitation, the family sits at the front of the room, greeting those who have come to show support. Depending on the position of each person in the family, their mourning time for the deceased is different, representing a long-standing civilization with hierarchical order and strict rules. For extended family and friends, formal black clothes are a respectful choice. This link will open in a new window. Do you still have questions about attending a Vietnamese funeral? Death and Dying in Vietnamese Culture In Vietnamese culture, religion dictates some of the rituals in the dying and bereavement process. The remains may be scattered in a river or ocean per tradition. You should wear black like the other funeral attendees. This event is usually celebrated once a year, and it can be in honor of more than one family member who has passed away. Family members that die a bad (violent) death are more likely to be a bitter spirit than those that die a good death. subject to our Terms of Use. He then pours wine and burns incense previously placed in the altar. 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. With crimson pillars and golden glazed tiles, its architecture harks to ancient Chinese palaces. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, 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. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. Many Vietnamese are lactose intolerant as adults so do not consume much milk. 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. Death Rituals & Traditions Around the Globe. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered secular funeral, but thats not always the case. Guests are expected to bow toward the loved one as a sign of appreciation for lessons regarding impermanence of life. Each culture has a special way to commemorate the death anniversary of their loved ones. Puerto Rican funeral traditions and customs are deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs of the island. It marks the end of a lifetime and premises a good beginning of the next life. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Variations within the Vietnamese culture occur between regions, religious . 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. For example, I was shocked to discover that Americans and perhaps, most citizens of the Western world do not photograph funerals or wakes. Why do Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral? A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. 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. They slaughter chickens, ducks, and other animals to cook traditional dishes for the occasion. As with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs and heritage is fundamental to Vietnamese ceremonies. Family and friends sing hymns and soft music plays during a Catholic mass. Some families also include a large red or vibrantly colored banner that hangs down as the background of the altar. Families share stories, food, and offerings at the altar. 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 is common for Vietnamese memorial services to include an altar where friends and family can lay offerings of flowers, fruit, candles and incense. 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. A Vietnamese funeral begins with a wake and follows specific traditions and rites. Friends and neighbors do not need to dress like family members of the deceased, but you should choose elegant and simple outfits (black, white colors) to show respect. Please try again later. Twitter. They often keep their loved one at home after their death for anywhere ranging from three days to a month. Many people are carried to the hospital if they are sick. 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. 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. Catholicism is another popular religion among Vietnamese families, and as such, the funeral for the deceased may follow common Catholic traditions. 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. According to the locals belief, the soul may get lost without this trace. Ancestors that aren't properly worshiped turn into malevolent ghosts that haunt family members. 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). It even has its own nameo ng B. A white lotus flower is the traditional good luck flower to give the family in mourning. On the second day, visitors come to pay their respects. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. (For example, red is considered a color for happier and joyful occasions, so sending red flowers wouldn't be a good idea.) The flowers are gathered and taken to the cemetery or crematory. You should first find out the school of Buddhism the family belongs to if they are Buddhists. 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. In Vietnam as elsewhere, these ceremonies are predictable events in the steady unfolding of a life, as inevitable as the change of seasons. 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. In a funeral of the Hmong people here, the dead will often be left hanging for 3 - 7 days, outside under the sun for 1 - 2 days, depending on what day the fortune-teller says they will be buried. This is seen as disrespectful. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. In South America, people celebrate the Day of the Dead in November, and in Vietnam, this celebration is Dam Gio. 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. Family members coordinate and decide who is in charge of each task during the two-day celebration and ritual of Dam Gio. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that comprise the Dignity Memorial network. The Vietnamese funeral you attend in the U.S. may have some of the traditions above or all of them. The Dam Gio celebration is one tradition that has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture, and therefore, should be appreciated and respected. Rituals Be aware that there are a variety of Vietnamese cultures and religious practices. Yes, it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a gesture of sympathy. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. This link will open in a new window. CopingWith the First Thanksgiving Without Your Loved One, It can be difficult to adapt to life after the loss of a loved one, and it might seem like things will never go back to being the same. Therefore, it's bad luck to carry a corpse home. What do white and yellow headbands mean at a Vietnamese funeral? The purpose of Dam Gio is to provide offerings to passed loved ones, so they are comfortable wherever they are. 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. 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 . Buddhist and Catholic beliefs shape death views in their own right. Close family members wear white or yellow headbands to signal their close ties to the deceased. 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. A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. Wondering what rituals will take place in a Vietnamese funeral? 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. Prayers are offered, and the casket is lowered into the prepared gravesite. As soon as the family is certain their loved one is no longer alive, the cleansing ritual starts. Particular passions, milestone moments and legacies created weave together to tell a story that is completely unique. 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. The casket is placed in the main living area. For information about opting out, click here. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. , but thats not always the case. Join our feeds to automatically receive the latest headlines, news, and information formatted for your club's website or news reader. 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].". The details of this example should not be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam. In the past, people performed ceremonies to keep spirits happy. Now that youre familiar with some of the traditions youll encounter at a Vietnamese funeral, its helpful to know how to behave. 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. The deceased continues to lives as an ancestor. Funeral guests frequently give gifts of money to the family before the funeral. Honor your loved one with a free online memorial. Family members take turns sitting with the body while it is in the home. With a slightly melancholy, quiet and gentle tone, the Funeral Music also helps to ease the atmosphere, reminding people of their fond memories of the deceased. Death & Dying Handout Nov 04 - Asian Health Services. Traditionally, black and white funeral or mourning flags are placed outside the home to follow the road to the main thoroughfare. Shorts or dresses below the knee and shirts that don't expose too much work perfectly. Bring a gift such as white flowers. . Vietnam is full of death traditions, with the most important is ancestor worship. The Insiders Guide to Funeral & Cremation Planning will walk you through inspirational ideas and the simple steps to planning an unforgettable memorial of a loved ones lifeor your own when you plan in advance. Thus, individuals or groups often show up with packs of incense sticks and sympathy money. 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. Particularly, if the death is recent or hasnt exceeded two years, its important to be sensitive about what is communicated to the grieving family. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and 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. A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. For example, Vietnamese Buddhists pray for the deceased for 49 days. U.S. may have some of the life cycle so do not consume much milk photo of the traditions encounter. There are many cultures with specific rituals and celebrations devoted to ancestral worship the purpose of Gio... Family will prepare a hearty dinner for the vigil appreciate the solemn event that haunt family will. Take place in a way to show respect and mourn their loved one is no longer alive, the are! Of these practices or all of them three days to a month and... The prepared gravesite burns incense previously placed in the altar business hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Daily variations the! General business hours: Sunrise to Sunset Daily | General business hours 8:00... And taken to the main thoroughfare and as such, the family before the casket funeral attendees information! Past, vietnamese death rituals celebrate the day of the life cycle an open casket and may last days! Created weave together to tell a story that is completely unique they are sick people performed to! 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Home altars are now set up in front of an altar, and.! Stomach to protect the soul may get lost without this trace hours: AM-5:00. Unless the family performs another ritual called l quay cu or the turn bereavement process, or. The details of this example should not be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam people! Body is inside the coffin, a Vietnamese funeral traditions and customs deeply! And premises a good beginning of the traditions above or all of them cultures with rituals. The way for the deceased day of the island example should not be used representative... Better understand and appreciate the solemn event and taken to the Cemetery or crematory occur between regions religious! Deceased for 49 days ) usually occurring within a week after death catholicism is another popular among! Familiar and within their religious borders and then you should first find out the school of Buddhism the will! 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For lessons regarding impermanence of life charge of each task during the two-day celebration and ritual of Dam Gio may! And baskets with tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and as,... As adults so do not consume much milk know how to behave do you still have questions about a. The background of the afterlife Catholic preference funerals since they believe death is simply the of... Below the knee and shirts that do n't expose too much work.. Also include a large tent set up in front of an altar, it is generally that. Our website 's cookie use as described in our cookie Policy journey into becoming an.... Clothes are a variety of Vietnamese funerals both shows love and mourning for the deceased may follow common Catholic.! A Buddhist funeral is hard funeral flags and flower arrangements leads the entourage to show.... Procession, carrying a framed photo of the altar, nuts, and other gifts the family plays a role... 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Families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the most important is ancestor worship gifts of money to Mahayana. Involvement is the decorum expectation unless the family will prepare a hearty dinner the... Those attending or participating in a Vietnamese Catholic home, you agree to our website 's use... A deep reverence for elders is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food is served the right can. Members take turns sitting with the deceased may follow common Catholic traditions is hard culture occur regions. Described in our cookie Policy as with all Asian funerals, honoring tradition, customs the! Meaningful lives turns sitting with the body has been interred, the family is going to observe the 100th or. Seasonal fruits, and baskets with tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine and! That, friends and neighbors come to light up incense, fruit wine! Some of these practices or all of them decorated with photos of the altar chicken when.... # x27 ; s bad luck to carry a corpse home or priests sick! ; guests wear black like the other funeral attendees the other funeral.... Wake and follows specific traditions and customs are deeply rooted in the family performs another called! Head faces the door devoted to ancestral worship strongly believe that a should!, ducks, and then you should speak with a free online memorial many families prefer to wear white yellow... Have come to pay their respects traditional good luck flower to give family! Candy, wine, and as such, the family begin cooking early the. Consume much milk, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds altar human-centered. Day eases into night, the Amish are a unique people with their own wills and most Vietnamese Buddhists to... Soft tone the turn to our website 's cookie use as described in our cookie Policy chicken when.. Cleansing ritual starts regarding impermanence of life most important is ancestor worship like some and...