What do the Vietnamese believe about their dead ancestors?
For the Vietnamese, ancestor worship is not related to ghosts, spiritualism or even the supernatural in the Western sense. The Vietnamese accept as a fact that their ancestors continue to live in another realm, and that it is the duty of the living to meet their needs.
Do Vietnamese worship ancestors?
Hanoi (VNA) – Ancestor worship, an ancient Vietnamese tradition, is a ritual practice paying tribute to deceased family members and reminding people of their roots. Accordingly, children are obliged to respect their parents in life and to remember them after they die.
How do Vietnamese honor the dead?
Family and friends take turns keeping vigil over the body throughout the night. Close family members hold prayer services before laying the deceased in the coffin. Family and friends give offerings to the deceased like incense, food, and money. The family lights incense daily to remember their loved one.
What do Vietnamese believe after death?
Many Vietnamese people believe the souls of their loved ones live on after death and that having a funeral is an important step toward entering the afterlife. If the proper actions aren’t taken, it is believed that the person’s ghost will remain on earth and possibly even cause harm to the family.
Why do Vietnamese burn incense?
For centuries, Vietnamese people have burned incense to mark important occasions and celebrations, and as a way to pray for and remember their ancestors. In Vietnam, as in so many other places in the world, incense burning is an ancient cultural and religious ritual.
Do you give money at Vietnamese funeral?
While it is common practice to give money in an envelope to assist with funeral costs, it is not mandatory to do so. Those attending a Vietnamese funeral may choose to offer flowers, food, or verbal condolences to the grieving.
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