A Tour Of A Memorial Service For The Deceased In A Typical Vietnamese Family.

[00:00:02]Hello everyone. How is a memorial service for the deceased organized in Vietnam? Today I will share this information with you all.

[00:00:17]Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life and its many changes, traditional values are still preserved by Vietnamese people through generations.

[00:00:26]One of these beautiful cultural traditions is the anniversary of a death, an occasion for descendants to remember their deceased loved ones, express gratitude to their ancestors, and nurture family bonds.

[00:00:41]>> For many Vietnamese, the anniversary of a death is not simply a spiritual ritual.

[00:00:47]For many Vietnamese, the anniversary of a death is not simply a spiritual ritual.

[00:00:53]Although each region has its own customs and the way it is organized may differ depending on the circumstances of each family, the core meaning always remains.

[00:01:02]Remembering the deceased with reverence and gratitude.

[00:01:06]Typically, the anniversary of a death is celebrated on the exact day of the deceased's death. According to the lunar calendar, for many families, this is a very important day of the year. children and grandchildren, even those living far away, try to arrange their schedules to return home.

[00:01:26]Some people travel hundreds of kilome.

[00:01:28]Others take time off work just to be present at the family meal, light an incense stick at the ancestral altar, and reunite with relatives they [music] haven't seen in a long time.

[00:01:39]From early morning, the usually quiet house begins to bustle. The sound of brooms sweeping the yard, the sound of running water, the lively conversations, and the aroma of dishes being prepared create a very distinctive atmosphere for the anniversary of a death.

[00:01:54]The first thing family members usually do is clean the ancestral worship space.

[00:01:59]The altar is carefully wiped clean, the candlesticks are polished, the vases are refilled with fresh flowers chosen from the early morning market.

[00:02:08]Each ancestral photograph, each incense burner, and each small cup on the altar is neatly arranged. This work is not only to beautify the space, but also to show respect for the ancestors.

[00:02:21]>> After the altar has been meticulously prepared, the whole family begins busily preparing the feast. In many rural areas of Vietnam, people often cook all the dishes themselves.

[00:02:33]Older generations guide their children and grandchildren on how to prepare ingredients, seasoned dishes, and present them attractively. Men may be responsible for setting up tents, arranging tables and chairs, or welcoming guests. Young children run around helping with simple tasks, contributing to a joyful and warm atmosphere.

[00:02:55]Each family may prepare different dishes, but all aim for a complete and solemn feast. The feast usually includes sticky rice, boiled chicken, soups, stir- fried dishes, brazed dishes, pork sausage, boiled vegetables, fruit, and many other traditional dishes.

[00:03:13]Many families even cook dishes that the deceased enjoyed when they were alive.

[00:03:18]For them, it's a simple yet meaningful way to express their remembrance.

[00:03:26]In many localities, preparing for a memorial service is not just a family affair, but also an opportunity for neighbors to help each other. Some lend tables and chairs, others help with cooking, and still others assist with cleaning. This spirit of togetherness has contributed to the beauty of Vietnamese community life for generations.

[00:03:51]While everyone is busy preparing, the kitchen is always the most bustling place. The rhythmic sounds of knives and cutting boards, the sizzling of oil on the stove, the aroma of fried onions and steaming broth, all blend with laughter and conversation to create a very familiar scene. It's not just about cooking. It's also a time for family members to chat, share, and prepare together for a meaningful day.

[00:04:25]Besides preparing the offerings, fresh flowers, fruits, tea, wine, clean water, incense, and candles are also carefully arranged on the altar. Each offering carries its own meaning. But most importantly, it's the sincere respect of the descendants. Vietnamese people believe that the value of the offering lies not in its extravagance or expense, but in the sincerity and gratitude shown to the deceased.

[00:05:14]As all the preparations are complete, the atmosphere in the house becomes more solemn. Guests and relatives arrived one after another, offering condolences and reminiscing about the deceased. Old stories were recounted, and memories that seemed so distant suddenly felt closer than ever.

[00:05:38]>> [music] >> Hey.

[00:05:45]Hey.

[00:06:20]This was also the moment when everyone prepared for the most important ceremony of the anniversary, the ritual of offering incense and paying respects to ancestors. Amidst the swirling incense smoke, each person carried their own thoughts and feelings, but all were united in their connection to their roots, to those who had given birth to, nurtured, and preserved the family home through generations.

[00:07:24]Princess and I sat solemnly eating a melon while watching her family perform the ancestral worship ceremony.

[00:07:31]All right. All right.

[00:07:42]Speech. Speech. Speech.

[00:08:41]Once all the offerings are meticulously prepared, the atmosphere in the house gradually becomes quiet. This is the most sacred moment of the anniversary.

[00:08:50]The ritual of offering incense to remember the deceased on the altar. Fresh flowers, fruits, tea, wine, and a meal are arranged solemnly. Each offering reflects the reverence of the descendants towards their ancestors. Many families also prepare dishes that the deceased enjoyed when they were alive as a way of preserving memories and affection.

[00:09:45]At the time of the ceremony, the master of ceremonies lights the first incense sticks and recites prayers, inviting ancestors and the deceased to witness the devotion of their descendants.

[00:09:55]Afterward, each family member takes turns offering incense, bowing in remembrance, and offering wishes for peace and well-being for the family.

[00:10:09]In Vietnamese culture, incense is not only an offering, but also a symbol of the connection between generations. The spreading incense smoke reminds everyone of their roots, of the sacrifices made by their parents and grandparents, and of the values they have inherited.

[00:10:28]While waiting for the incense to burn out, people often spend time reminiscing about the deceased. Stories about the lives, virtues, and sacrifices of grandparents and parents are recounted so that descendants can better understand family traditions and appreciate what they have.

[00:10:50]After the ceremony concludes, the family offers thanks and removes the offerings.

[00:10:55]The solemn atmosphere gradually gives way to the warmth of a reunion. Everyone prepares the memorial meal together where generations gather, share stories, and strengthen family bonds.

[00:11:13]This is also the most beautiful value of the memorial day. Not only remembering the deceased but also preserving family ties. Ensuring that the tradition of drinking water, remembering the source is continued through each generation.

[00:11:38]>> Thank you everyone for watching the video. Please like and subscribe to the channel.

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