When traveling in Vietnam, one might encounter many fascinating aspects of local culture, but some of the most intriguing customs surround how Vietnamese people honor and bury their deceased. Funeral practices in Vietnam are steeped in tradition, spirituality, and occasionally surprising rituals. These customs, though different from what many foreigners are used to, offer a deep insight into the country’s belief systems and values. In this article, we’ll explore the unusual funeral practices that might catch the attention of travelers visiting Vietnam.
1. Elaborate Funerals and Processions
Funerals in Vietnam are not quiet or somber events, as is common in many Western cultures. They are typically loud, colorful, and involve large processions through the streets. It’s not unusual to see marching bands, loud music, and even firecrackers as part of the funeral ceremony. These are meant to guide the spirit of the deceased to the afterlife and to show respect. Travelers may find themselves surprised by the scale and spectacle of these funerals, which are often a public affair, with hundreds of mourners following the procession.
2. Professional Mourners
A strange yet fascinating aspect of Vietnamese funerals is the presence of professional mourners. These are individuals hired to wail and cry during the funeral procession, amplifying the grief of the family. The louder and more emotional the mourning, the greater the respect shown to the deceased. For visitors, witnessing these intense displays of emotion can be bewildering, as this practice is not common in many cultures.
3. The “Ghost Month” and Superstitions
The Vietnamese hold many superstitions around death, especially during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is known as “Ghost Month.” It’s believed that during this time, spirits of the dead are allowed to return to the living world. Funerals held during this month often include specific rituals to protect the family from vengeful spirits and to ensure the deceased passes peacefully into the afterlife. Travelers may notice heightened rituals, prayers, and offerings during this month, reflecting the importance of respecting spirits in Vietnamese culture.
4. Offerings to the Deceased
One of the most common sights at Vietnamese funerals is the large amount of food, money (usually in the form of joss paper), and other goods placed near the coffin or at gravesites. These offerings are meant to provide for the deceased in the afterlife. What might seem strange to foreigners is the burning of these offerings, particularly paper replicas of money, clothes, or even houses. Burning them is believed to transfer these items to the spirit world, ensuring that the deceased has all they need for a comfortable journey beyond.
5. Reburial Rituals
One of the most unusual funeral practices in Vietnam is the tradition of reburial. In some rural areas, it is common to exhume the body of the deceased after several years, clean the bones, and rebury them in a new, more permanent location. This ritual is thought to help the spirit rest more peacefully and is performed with great care and reverence. For tourists unfamiliar with this practice, it might come as a surprise to hear about bodies being moved after burial, but it is an important tradition in many Vietnamese communities.
Tourist Review
“I was in a small village near Hanoi during Ghost Month and attended a local funeral ceremony. It was nothing like anything I had experienced before. The whole community came together, and there was this strange mix of celebration and mourning. What shocked me the most were the professional mourners they cried so loudly, but I later learned it was a sign of respect for the dead. It gave me a new perspective on how cultures view death and the afterlife.” – Sarah, a traveler from the UK.
Expert Opinion
Cultural anthropologist Dr. Mark Jenkins, who has studied Southeast Asian rituals, explains, “Vietnamese funeral practices are deeply rooted in their beliefs about the afterlife. The elaborate processions and professional mourners may seem strange to outsiders, but they reflect the importance of community in honoring the dead. Reburial rituals, in particular, are unique and show how Vietnamese people continue to care for their loved ones even years after their death. It’s a fascinating blend of tradition, respect, and spirituality.”
Conclusion
Vietnam’s funeral practices may seem unusual or strange to many travelers, but they offer a valuable glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and spiritual life. From the loud processions to the reburial rituals, these customs reflect the deep respect that Vietnamese people have for their ancestors and the afterlife. For tourists, witnessing these practices can be both enlightening and emotional, offering a unique window into the country’s unique traditions.