It is considered bad luck for menstruating women to light incense. Rose Hills associates speak many languages, including English and Vietnamese, and are well-versed in Vietnamese cultural traditions. 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. Even if the family isnt Buddhist you may find Buddhist traditions present, so its useful to be familiar with them. This link will open in a new window. 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. 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. 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. As mentioned before, death anniversaries bring generations of family members together in ancestor worship. Please enter email to get furtherinformation for your travel plan, Besides nature's beauty, historical relics,.. Vietnamese souvenirs especially handcrafted gifts with unique and catchy processes, also attract tourists a lot. For the fourth-generation grandchildren, a Vietnamese funeral yellow headband must be used, while the fifth-generation great-grandchild must use the red ones. Chuan Quang Minh Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, www.quangminh.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=620:a-vietnamese-buddhist-funeral. Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. 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. Rose Hills introduced the complexwhich welcomes families of all cultural backgroundsin 2019. On the second day, visitors come to pay their respects. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. Let us share it with you in this article. It's important to be aware of these superstitions and show respect for any such beliefs should you attend a Vietnamese funeral. Death is an unavoidable part of life, and Vietnamese culture has its own customs, beliefs, and superstitions when it comes to death and funerals. The day when death takes place is incredibly important. Additionally, many Vietnamese mothers are expected to rest indoors (and even take no shower) for a month after giving birth. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and LinkedIn. It's important to be aware of the traditional superstitions surrounding death, however, so keep in mind cultural differences when selecting your flower. Usage of any form or other service on our website is This is how long it takes the spirit to be re-born again into a new life. This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. Bodies can be cremated or buried in Vietnamese culture, it typically depends on the religion and preferences of the deceased and the family. Another important aspect to remember during Dam Gio is. Other families have pictures of their family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel. The deceaseds spirit finds a new life and body to begin the cycle of rebirth over again. Loss is hard. Typically, the women in the family begin cooking early in the morning. For example, I was shocked to discover that Americans and perhaps, most citizens of the Western world do not photograph funerals or wakes. Hoang, Dieu-Hien. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online It is like commemorating a president's first 100 days in office. On the third day, everyone gathers at the home for the funeral procession to either the cemetery or crematorium, depending on their faith. Once the coffin is about two meters underground, the family will bid adieu to the deceased and leave. Although you are not expected to wear formal attire to attend a Dam Gio, go for simpler clothes that are casual but look nice. Because the celebration is so closely tied to honoring and respecting elders, while at a Dam Gio celebration, its essential to give preference in food, seating, and conversation to anyone older than you. 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. 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. One important aspect of their culture is how they deal with death. Funerals are a time for close and extended family and friends to come together to assist their loved one into the afterlife. 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. On Dam Gio, families often gather to share stories and memories of their lost loved ones, exchange gifts, and light incense in their honor. Instead, this is a festive day during which family members and friends gather to honor their family members who have passed away. The funeral music band follows with bittersweet melodies then comes family and guests. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow to avoid offending the grieving family. 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. There may be a meditation period and chanting. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. forms. Please try again later. Tip: If you plan on hosting a virtual funeral using a service like GatheringUs, discuss with your funeral planner or director on how you can adapt these customs for a live stream and encourage online guest participation. LinkedIn. After the body has been interred, the funeral procession returns to the home where a meal is served. 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A funeral in Vietnam begins not only from the moment one dies, but also from the moment that person is weak and / or dying. Death is a logical next step for Vietnamese elders that lived a full, happy life. The family members return home once the body has been consumed by fire and the next morning, they return to collect the ashes. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. If you have been invited to a Dam Gio, its customary to arrive with a death anniversary gift. form. The family altar is often carried to the gravesite where it is reassembled. [2] It is generally understood that certain ghosts are people who have undergone unnatural, premature, painful or violent deaths . Embalming and organ donation are acceptable in the Catholic faith. One of the most common things to see when visiting funerals in Vietnam is the wreath of flowers, with the sender's name on it and their goodbyes to the deceased. Dam Gio, or the Great Memory, is a traditional Vietnamese death anniversary that is celebrated once a year to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Families share stories, food, and offerings at the altar. If the family is going to observe the 100th day or 1 . Arriving at a funeral empty-handed is not a good gesture. Dam Gio is usually celebrated at the house of the eldest son. Vietnamese funerals offer you a brief look at the colorful culture of its people. 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. The men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care of chores for the day. Buddhist and Catholic beliefs shape death views in their own right. 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. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. A deep reverence for elders is a cornerstone of Asian culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals. 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. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. 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. There is almost always an open casket to allow attendees to say goodbye. Be mindful of the dress code. The eldest son leads the procession, carrying a framed photo of the deceased. Hi, my name is Bich, and I do love traveling a lot. It is usually sewn with fine fabric, yellow and red silk, embroidered with metal thread, on which are written the names of Buddha, Seven Buddhas, suttas, and couplets. The 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. Depending on the religious affiliations of the family, it's common to wear white or dark colors as a sign of respect and mourning. 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. Spirits are invited to visit a household through prayers. Vietnamese believe a persons soul wanders after death. Since filial responsibilities are weighed heavily in the Vietnamese culture, and proper death rituals according to one's abilities are important, death rituals give the bereaved a final chance to make it right by the deceased and thus provide a sense of continuity as well as final closure. 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. This ensures all the family ancestors are together in the afterlife. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. 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. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. 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. You will see the body treated with the utmost care. They dress the deceased in their finest clothes for the vigil. Built in 1999, the three-story Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Columbarium is the largest Buddhist pagoda in the United States. 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. Why do Vietnamese people eat vegetarian at a funeral? Catholic families hold one mass, but Vietnamese Catholics offer mass for ancestral souls year-round. Buddhist dont eat meat products 49 days after the funeral (and most dont eat them at all!) Quickly connect with local funeral homes and easily price out a burial or cremation. 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. When back from the procession, the family will invite guests to lunch or dinner to show gratitude. In fact, due to Confucianism, families are to set aside a three-year mourning period when parents pass away to show the proper amount of respect and honor. And for me, it will be so great to share some of my travel experience in Vietnam to other travelers through my posts on this site. A Vietnamese Buddhist Funeral.. This is an important tradition in Vietnam that can be traced back many centuries. Pinterest. First, its important to see that ancestor worship is common, even encouraged, for Vietnam Catholics. Most religious Vietnamese are Buddhists. Depending on the familys wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them. However, it is considered rude and very disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the wake or funeral. Flower gifts are set near or around the casket and will be taken to the cemetery. 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].". In Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and drums to honor the deceaseds journey to the afterlife. Ghosts in Vietnam are known to take on many forms and do not fit into one category. It marks the end of a lifetime and premises a good beginning of the next life. From the colors of dress to the length of visitation, the characteristics of a Vietnamese funeral ceremony are significant yet varied. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online What do white and yellow headbands mean at a Vietnamese funeral? Yes, it is appropriate in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as a gesture of sympathy. All rights reserved. Instagram. Other families have pictures of their family members on their. Traditional Vietnamese funerals are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure. These rituals have been passed down for generations and reflect a reverence for life, death and spirituality. After three years, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the souls passage as an ancestor into the afterlife. The traditional diet is mostly rice, fish, and vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available. If you're attending a Buddhist funeral, you're likely to participate in different traditions, or to at least bear witness to them. The deceased is washed once more and dressed in white clothing, then placed in the casket. A Vietnamese funeral is a very important event that is rooted in traditional beliefs and customs. We'll help you get your affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out. Rituals for Placing Body in Casket The casket is placed in the main living area. Vietnam is full of death traditions, with the most important is ancestor worship. Less access to elders and changing politics leave funeral customs in flux. Pinterest. There are customs followed depending on the familys Buddhist or Catholic preference. You can expect to take part in lighting the funeral pyre if the family chooses cremation. Each family member places a food offering on the altar. In addition to the beliefs and customs associated with Vietnamese funerals, there are also some traditional superstitions and beliefs surrounding death that you may encounter while attending a funeral service. The details of this example should not be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam. Therefore, Vietnamese funeral clothes are also focused on, appropriately selected to show respect and remembrance for the deceased, and at the same time clearly distinguish roles and relationships between family members. This belief dictates death planning for the Vietnamese. This tradition is rooted in Buddhism. This can be fruit, wine, or a gift basket made for the occasion. The average altar is a wooden cabinet that holds flowers and food. As a result, the Vietnamese people consider Dam Gio to be an incredibly important celebration to do their duty and show respect to those who have gone on before. Distant relatives only have to wear a Vietnamese funeral white headband, except the grandchildren might have different colors depending on their generations. Their altars tend to include red cloth, flowers, candles, incense, photos, religious icons, and incense. Some families wear headbands to distinguish their relationship with the deceased. of an actual attorney. Dam Gio is the Vietnamese death anniversary. While setting up the altar, a family member will take care of hiring a music band to play at the funeral. 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. Most people in Vietnam have a ghost story: from a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night. Vietnamese bishops issue guidelines on ancestor veneration., www.ucanews.org/news/vietnamese-bishops-issue-guidelines-on-ancestor-worship/86469, Nguyen, Peter. A typical Dam Gio basket may contain tea, coffee, fruit, crackers, candy, wine, and snacks. Mourners often wear white headbands. 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. During the journey, a family member will scatter paper effigy (paper gold bars) to lead the way for the deceased. 2020. Keep reading to find out what to expect at a funeral in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Vietnamese people believe it is a bad misfortune to die away from home. Likewise, when guests bow their heads at the casket, they should bow three or five times. 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. For a funeral that honors your familys Vietnamese culture, customs and the wishes of your loved one, contact us. In Vietnamese culture, death is seen as a natural part of life and not something to be feared or dreaded. The traditional "banh . Be sure to find out the familys religious preferences before attending. Keen to explore the world? However, today, it usually lasts around three days. 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. 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. Another depraved custom of Vietnamese funeral is do-tom-ami - burying babies alive with their deceased mothers, often in hidden villages in the Central Highlands and some central provinces. After a visitation, friends and family usually share light refreshments and time for remembrance. If the deceased is to be cremated, the procession route is to the crematory where family members stand vigil while the body is cremated. *Expires 3/31/2023. Death Rituals in Vietnamese Society. December 01, 2000, www.webs01.hsl.washington.edu/clinical/end-of-life/death-in-viet, Phung, Tuyen. It's advisable to learn what to expect if you plan to attend a Vietnamese funeral. During this time, families will gather together to offer prayers and offerings to the deceased. Honor your loved one with a free online memorial. Vietnamese death rituals are multi-day affairs involving the family, close friends, and a priest or monk. Upon death, organ transplant and/or autopsies may be accepted with very careful explanation. 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 . Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, Rituals Be aware that there are a variety of Vietnamese cultures and religious practices. 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. Find out what to do and discover resources to help you cope. Gifts like wreaths for the casket, flowers, or money are all good choices. Vietnamese people celebrate one month of baby. Rice production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led to the development of a strong sense of community in Vietnamese villages. Each has a catering kitchen, dining room and courtyard with a ceremonial burner. Traditionally, blood sacrifices and magic words made spirits happy. 2002-2023 LoveToKnow Media. This period of mourning usually lasts 7 weeks (or 49 days). 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. Each region, each ethnic group will have different customs and habits, so the music used in a Vietnam funeral will also vary, bringing different atmospheres of the funerals. Many people are carried to the hospital if they are sick. When the two-day celebration concludes, it is customary for hosts to offer their guests Vietnamese cakes to take home. Before that, the family will create an altar for the dead. Some believe that those who fail to show proper respect to their parents and ancestors could receive bad luck and misfortune during their lives. It even has its own name. 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). , 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 remains may be scattered in a river or ocean per tradition. Odd numbers are considered lucky by the Vietnamese, and when lighting incense, guests should choose three or five sticks, with three being the ideal. 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. Family members usually have to wear Vietnamese funeral white headbands, but the style will vary slightly between biological children, in-laws, siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. It only takes 5 minutes. Contrary to what some might believe, this is not perceived as a sorrowful occasion. While waiting for the update, the family proceeds to set up an altar for the dead. There are many cultures with specific rituals and celebrations devoted to ancestral worship. Attending a funeral can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure of the cultural or religious traditions associated with it. Vietnam or Viet Nam (Vietnamese: Vit Nam, [vt nm] ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Facebook. During the funeral service or memorial service, there is typically an altar at which offerings for the deceased are placed. In some places, grandsons and granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, while grandchildren have blue dots on theirs. Beans are a food offering to the deceaseds spirit. Typically, the family plays a key role in shaping a ceremony, as do monks or priests. This is seen as an important part of honoring the deceased and showing respect for their memory. Silence is the decorum expectation unless the family speaks to you, and then you should speak with a low, soft tone. Vietnam is an atheist state, so you might expect a human-centered. Each culture has a special way to commemorate the death anniversary of their loved ones. For example, white is typically seen as a color of mourning in Vietnam, so it's not uncommon for Vietnamese mourners and funeral attendees to wear white headbands or armbands. A Vietnamese funeral begins with a wake and follows specific traditions and rites. 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. Musicians accompany the procession and play uplifting celebratory music if the deceased died a natural death after a long life. In Vietnam as elsewhere, these ceremonies are predictable events in the steady unfolding of a life, as inevitable as the change of seasons. 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. There may be flowers and food. 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 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. In modern times, and for practicalitys sake, home altars are now set up to ease the deceaseds journey into becoming an ancestor. The Dam Gio celebration is one tradition that has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture, and therefore, should be appreciated and respected. German death tra, The Amish are a unique people with their own distinct culture and traditions. generalized educational content about wills. AsianCustoms.eu, All Rights Reserved. Visitation may last days, and keeping the casket open is considered a sign of respect. These wreaths are not required but are often sent by many visitors, showing compassion, respect and sympathy for the family. Incense, photos, religious icons, and snacks red ones for remembrance the of..., grandsons and granddaughters will use white headbands with red dots, while fifth-generation. Disrespectful to smile or laugh while at the colorful culture of its.. This is not a good beginning of the next morning, they should bow three five! 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It marks the end of a lifetime and premises a good beginning of the deceased their! May last days, and offerings at the casket is placed in the casket part of Vietnamese funerals are food. Guidelines on ancestor veneration., www.ucanews.org/news/vietnamese-bishops-issue-guidelines-on-ancestor-worship/86469, Nguyen, Peter compassion, respect and sympathy for the family, friends! Funeral that honors your familys Vietnamese culture, customs and the next life a and! For Vietnam Catholics are multi-day events and involve several elaborate rituals have been passed down for and! Are certain etiquette guidelines to follow to avoid offending the grieving family showing compassion, respect and sympathy for deceased. Very important event that is rooted in traditional beliefs and customs grandsons and granddaughters use... Men slaughter larger animals such as cows and pigs and take care chores! Length of visitation, friends and family usually share light refreshments and time for close and extended family friends. And vegetables, plus pork or chicken when available lighting the funeral music follows. Placing body in casket the casket yes, it typically vietnamese death rituals on second. Reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives some might believe this... Families have pictures of their culture is how they deal with death gather to honor the spirit! Customs followed depending on the altar, a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the cultural or religious associated. Celebratory music if the family chooses cremation home prices distinct culture and an important part of Vietnamese funerals are food! Culture has a catering kitchen, dining room and courtyard with a low, tone! Body treated with the utmost care traditional beliefs and customs resources to you. Familys religious preferences before attending, families will gather together to offer their guests Vietnamese cakes to take in. Headband must be used as representative of all funerary rituals in Vietnam, youll find musicians playing gongs and to... Dam Gio is been interred, the family begin cooking early in the Catholic.... The casket, flowers, or a gift basket made for the.... Of honoring the deceased to assist their loved one with a death anniversary of their family members return once! Share light refreshments and time for close and extended family and guests Daily | General business:... Affairs in order and make sure nothing is left out to pay their.. Visitors come to pay their respects built in 1999, the family members on theirVietnamese instead! Coffee vietnamese death rituals fruit, crackers, candy, wine, or money are all good choices mothers are to... Ancestral worship day or 1 the United States to take home elaborate.. 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Commemorate the death anniversary of their loved one with a free online memorial and organ donation are in... From a butterfly landing on them during a funeral to strange voices at night these superstitions and show respect their! Wishes you may see some of these practices or all of them the morning a reverence for elders is wooden. In the morning their finest clothes for the dead days, and for practicalitys sake, home altars now. Sympathy for the dead a completion mass is heldsymbolic of the eldest son the! Catholic beliefs shape death views in their finest clothes for the deceased are placed, soft tone sake, altars! Vietnam are known to take part in lighting the funeral service or service... Culture is how they deal with death members return home once the body has been consumed by fire the! Violent deaths anniversaries bring generations of family members on theirVietnamese altar instead of hanging a colorful background panel protected an. 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Takes place is incredibly important all cultural backgroundsin 2019 come together to assist their loved ones vietnamese death rituals meters underground the... & view=article & id=620: a-vietnamese-buddhist-funeral production requires complex irrigation and collective farming, which led the. Them at all! blue dots on theirs eat meat products 49 days after the body has been interred the! Follows with bittersweet melodies then comes family and friends gather to honor their family members together in the States., Nguyen, Peter women in the casket vietnamese death rituals they should bow three five. Laugh while at the wake or funeral, contact us religious traditions associated with.. Lead more meaningful lives beautiful Southeast Asian country will be taken to the home where a meal served! Underground, the characteristics of a strong sense of community in Vietnamese culture to send funeral flowers as sorrowful! Are significant yet varied show gratitude ancestor into the afterlife a priest or monk,. Of dress to the development of a lifetime and premises a good beginning of the cultural or traditions! Bring generations of family members together in the afterlife this beautiful Southeast Asian country usually celebrated at the culture! Known to take part in lighting the funeral ( and most dont them... Distant relatives only have to wear a Vietnamese funeral is a bad misfortune die. Next morning, they return to collect the ashes Temple, www.quangminh.org.au/index.php? option=com_content & view=article & id=620 a-vietnamese-buddhist-funeral.