Vietnam Funerals
The way a funeral is organized in Vietnam is strongly influenced by Chinese ones with various rites and activities. Visitors who attend a funeral usually wear dark color clothes and bring sympathy flower, sometimes attached with an envelop containing money to help the unfortunate family cover the cost of the funeral.
The organization of funerals in Vietnam continues to be deeply influenced by traditional Chinese practices, encompassing various rites and activities. Most funerals in Vietnam are structured into three distinct stages.
The first stage is referred to as “Nhap Quan” (Entering the Coffin). During this stage, the deceased is prepared for burial or cremation. Their body is cleansed using water or alcohol, dressed in funeral attire, typically made from white fabric, which is worn not only by the deceased but also by close family members, including the spouse, children, and grandchildren.
After the body is dressed, it is placed inside the coffin, and a ritual is conducted under the guidance of a spiritual leader, often a shaman or monk. Family and friends then pay their respects by walking around the coffin, reflecting on memories with the deceased for the last time. Additionally, a bowl of rice and an egg is placed on the coffin for those who follow Buddhist or non-religious practices, while a card bearing the deceased's Christian name is included for Christian individuals.
The second stage involves the gathering of friends and extended family who come to offer their condolences and share in the family's grief. The coffin is typically displayed at the family's home or at a funeral service venue, as preferred by the family. Visitors are invited to pray for the deceased’s soul and console the bereaved family. This visiting stage can last from several hours to an entire day, depending on the number of attendees. Guests generally wear dark clothing and may bring sympathy flowers, often alongside an envelope containing money to assist the bereaved family with funeral expenses.
At the conclusion of the visitation, a family representative usually delivers a brief speech expressing gratitude to the visitors and inviting them to accompany the family to the burial site. The coffin is then transported in a designated funeral vehicle to the cemetery, with family members and some guests following behind.
In certain rural areas of Vietnam, particularly among farming families, it is customary for the coffin to be placed in a rice field. The eldest son may perform a symbolic gesture of remorse, such as walking backward or rolling in the mud, as a demonstration of their sorrow for the loss of their parent.
In Vietnam, there are two primary methods of interment: burial and cremation. The mourning period varies depending on the deceased's familial role but typically lasts from three months to three years. During this time, family members may wear a small piece of black fabric on their arms or chests as a sign of mourning.
Related Readings:
Family Relationships in Vietnam
