Everyone hopes to bring themselves and their loved ones good fortune over the coming year, and one thing that dictates the family's luck is the first visitor of the year. 2. Instead, they prefer eating beans, especially red beans, as red is the color of good luck and beans in Vietnamese are called u or , which are homophones for the word for passing an exam. The Chinese Vietnamese has a similar ritual where they burn and step over charcoal. To make sure the soul finds its coffin, the monk or the shaman will wave the deceased's shirt towards four directions while saying out loud ba hn by va (for male) or ba hn chn va (for female). This idea results in a. Tibetan Buddhists use this book to help guide their consciousness toward rebirth after they die. You might notice that in a funeral, there are people who wear white headband with the clothes, some others just wear white . Discover some South-East Asian superstitions that our Destination Specialists have come across on their travels. This extends from the belief that death is an end to the body and not the spirit. On the other hand, the meowing of cats sounds similar to ngho, which means poor in Vietnamese. You may lose money. Considered "windows to the soul," many superstitions involve the eyes of the deceased, such as placing coins on the eyelids of . Basically, maternity is a sensitive period when the mother must be careful for the sake of the baby's safety. For more insights on, check our guide on, Conclusion on What You Should Know About Vietnamese Superstitions, Superstitious beliefs are everywhere on the planet and vary from all corners of the world. Read more about, Depends on what youre praying for, be it health, wealth, or general fortune for yourself and your family, you will pray to different deities. Of course, this is nothing more than an old belief. Pregnant women and people who have had a recent death in the family are considered bearers of bad luck. Do you stop each day at 11:11 to make a wish? Vietnamese formal meals have lots of dishes, big and small, all served together For a big formal meal, with many guests, the standard is to have at least 4-5 dishes. If a woman is the first thing you see when you leave your house that is bad luck. A traditional funeral mass will occur in a church after the wake period. Particularly number 8, because the Chinese pronunciation of it sounds like the word Phat in meaning wealth, prosperity. The head of the family is the firm shoulder to other members to rely on, hence choosing the direction that is suitable for the breadwinner is the best. You shouldnt place any mirror opposite to the entrance because after a long day of working, seeing a shadow or reflection in the mirror as the first thing when you come home can create paranoia which can negatively affect homeowners mental health or make them suffer from nightmares, especially if you are a woman. These Vietnamese superstitions originated from two folk tales. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. The intention was to target the alleged superstitions of the North Vietnamese, by making the Ace of Spades the symbol of death, humiliation, and suffering. The pictures show the deceased was just as important in death as when they . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In an apartment complex, the door should not be placed opposite of the elevator because owners can feel like everyone is peeking inside their home, and the privacy of the family will be disturbed by outside energy. Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years . To the soldiers in Vietnam, superstition became a kind of . 30. However, many feng shui masters have said that 9 is the luckiest number, it represents completion, fulfillment, and achievement. Burning incense is a way to respect the gods and the deceased relatives. On the other hand, a cat can bring bad luck. These somewhat uncustomary views or actions arise from cultural beliefs, with some including: It is important to note that superstitions vary between religions and regions (e.g. tragic circumstances) nature of the death. Learn more about how incense is made. And It's so great to share all things I know about Vietnam to you. The first customer of the day will determine whether it is a good or bad day for business. Commonly, judging the direction depends on the age and information of the eldest members, also referred to as the head of the family or the lineage. The word for it in Vietnamese is "coi boi", and the most popular time for this is at Tet Holiday (coi boi dau nam). Many superstitions surround pregnant women in Vietnamese and wider Asian culture. The belief may have to do with an idea of luck and "balance": good luck somewhere is balanced by bad luck elsehwere. The key steps include: Contrary to standard black attire adorned in western cultures, the immediate family of the deceased traditionally wear white headbands during a Vietnamese funeral. It is unclear how this belief came to be and none can actually testify if thats actually the case. When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them. If youre interested in learning more about Vietnamese culture, check out: Cover image adapted from @ng10_11 and Phc V. Being born and living here in Vietnam, I got a chance to see lots of beautiful places, try countless great dishes, & experience many interesting things in places I visited. Filipinos have folk beliefs for many aspects of life, but you'll be surprised at the sheer number of superstitions for funerals and wakes! So, relish the nightmares! You may take them as seriously (or not) as you wish! Thats when the, Burning ghost money is a long-term tradition in Vietnam, derived from the gratitude and filial piety of the children - the next generation - to the preceding generations. These actions are only used to serve rice as offerings to the dead, and so they are considered bad luck in a regular meal. Family members will burn fake items made of paper such as money, iPhones, jewelry, and cars. Some people just see them as things to remember in life, but there are people who follow them as if they were the ultimate law of the universe. 2. This allows the soul to find its way home. In Chinese culture, the reason behind the superstition surrounding the number 4 lies in the way it sounds. It is also about turning to a new page and having a fresh start for a new year. Generally, Vietnamese good luck symbols are of Chinese origin. Customers buying a lot is considered a good sign and vice versa. The death anniversary is an expression of Vietnamese identity and values in a world where traditions inevitably change. A marching band will lead the hearse which is followed by attendees. A bowl of rice filled to the brim is said to be for the dead and should not be served to the living Vietnamese also believe that a good combination of digits in their motorbike license plate or phone number can bring them good luck. TOP 7 VIETNAMESE SUPERSTITIONS THAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT, 1 - Vietnamese superstitions list: The first caller bringing luck, 2 - Avoiding sweeping the house during Tet holiday, 3 - Top 7 Vietnamese superstitions: Burning ghost money, 4 - Vietnamese superstitions: Burning a bamboo spill for chasing ill luck away, 5 - Top Vietnamese superstitions: Judging home direction before buying, 6 - Top 7 Vietnamese superstitions: Consulting horoscope, In Vietnams daily life, there are a lot of unusual things happening that no one can explain. However, it is a custom of the country that people dont clean their homes during the time because sweeping dirt means throwing away fortune. that every Vietnamese person has been told at least once. is a time when we bid goodbye to a lunar year and usher in the next. In Vietnamese culture, numbers like 1, 6, 7, 8, 9 are thought of as lucky numbers. On this joyous occasion, everyone is hopeful that the upcoming year will bring them good fortune. In line with tradition, immediate family members are expected to wear white and adorn matching headbands. You can often see this ritualduring the Tet holiday, one's funeral, the, Vietnamese Superstitions and Fortune-telling, There are many kinds of fortune-telling in Vietnam, and the Vietnamese really love fortune-telling. A rosary is placed in the persons hands. The purpose of this study was to begin to explore cultural variations in response to the process of dying and grieving among four Asian American populations--Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino. This is just for Buddhists though. You may wonder how the residence looks without being unclustered. The traditional fortune-telling includes Tu vi (a combination of reading your star sign, lunar calendar birthday, gender, and some previous events in the past to tell your future), palm reading, and zodiac signs reading. The body must be completely cold before it can be washed and prepared so as not to disrupt this process. More Vietnamese are now being cremated after the. The job of coordinating and preparing Chinese funerals falls on the children or younger family members of the deceased person. Gold coins and rice are placed in the mouth of the deceased during the preparation of the body. Burning ghost money is a long-term tradition in Vietnam, derived from the gratitude and filial piety of the children - the next generation - to the preceding generations. i Tour Vietnam | Top-rated private Ho Chi Minh City tours and Vietnam travel guides. Don't swear or fight. The Vietnamese strongly believe that a person should die at home and be surrounded by his family. Superstition, sometimes, plays more than a passing role in Vietnamese society. As such, the proper dining etiquette is to fill the bowl only two-thirds of the way, using at least two scoops of rice. The second story tells the tale of a Goddess who was responsible for cooking for Ngoc Hoang (the Jade Emperor, King of the Heaven) but always tasted his meals first. In contrast, there are those who feature ill spirits that they send pity to others. Wow, should I visit a Vietnamese family during the new year holiday? Evidently, these superstitions reveal a great deal about Vietnamese culture and thought. This is done to signify respect and to show mourning. Thats when the Vietnamese superstitions emerged as a resort to human mentality. More. Writer David Lamb mentions it in an article about superstition in Vietnam, stating that Vietnamese folklore is a mixture Buddhism, local tradition . As an old Vietnamese saying put it, a dog coming into your house signifies good fortune. Vietnamese Sympathy Message. Just as people from other countries have their own tales of tooth fairies, we Vietnamese also have our own way to deal with our baby teeth when they come off. So for kids who are afraid of going into deep water, Vietnamese parents will sometimes have a dragonfly bite their belly buttons, telling them its a gift thatll help them learn how to swim. While beliefs vary between individuals, the most common etiquette standards are outlined below. For example, in the year of the dog, if your zodiac sign is a horse, a dog, or a tiger, you will bound to be in big trouble. Some believe the ringing sound attracts hungry ghosts. The number 9. Below are some common examples of Vietnamese superstitions. According to Vietnamese superstitions, whenever you seem to have too much misfortune in your life, youre being shadowed by a spirit. Gesture University of California Irvine. It is believed that doing so will inhibit the childs growth. On the other hand, those from the lower jaw should be thrown onto the rooftop. To this end, key informants and focus group interviews were conducted with members of these ethnic groups, and significant differences among . Some people possess "good spirits" which will bring happiness and good luck to the person they contact. 1:00-3:00 p.m.: You'll be safe and sound for whatever plans lie ahead of you. bowls of rice, fruit, and tea). While offerings will be much appreciated, do not feel pressured to give anything as your presence will be welcome enough. Therefore, buying a house is a basic need for everyone. Interment of the deceased will follow at the site of burial. If you had bad luck in your dreams, perhaps there is some counter-vailing good luck that will pop-up elsewhere in your life. If you are able to speak Vietnamese, then some sympathy messages include: If you do not speak Vietnamese, then general condolences will be welcomed by the grieving. Check here for more exotic Vietnamese dishes. While there are many superstitions in Vietnam about what can bring people bad luck like breaking a mirror and seeing a crow or black cat, Vietnamese have an arsenal of ways to get rid of misfortune as well. Every country has its own superstitions, and here are. A lot of people in Vietnam would shy away from taking group pictures in which there are three people in the frame. 41 Surprisingly Fun Funeral Ideas To Celebrate A Life Lived, 21 Ideas What To Get Someone Whose Dog Died. Some wealthy businessmen would even go as far as paying millions to acquire a good number. Thus certain traditions are observed to ward off bad luck. Once all clock hands hit number 12, the old year ends, a new one comes, the person is expected to enter the gate of the house, send best wishes to the host, and just remain for a short time. Any of the Four Symbols. There are many Vietnamese superstitions that are evident following a death. Vietnam's ancient history and rich local folklore have led to some strong held beliefs that certain behaviors will increase good fortune while others will doom family members to bad luck or invite evil spirits to lurk around the home. In Vietnam, a death anniversary is viewed as a celebration of life and a festive occasion. 6. In Vietnamese superstitions, people believe that their house comes with a history and negative or positive energy of their own. With Buddhism being the most common religion in Vietnam, traditions are widely practiced across the country. In fact, incense burning is a prominent part of Vietnamese funerals. I am very sorry for your loss Ti rt tic v s mt mt ca bn, May the soul of (name of deceased) rest in peace Cu mong linh hn ca (tn ngi khut) c yn ngh, I am here if you need anything Ti y nu bn cn bt c iu g, Hope you and your family will overcome this pain Mong bn v gia nh s vt qua ni au ny, My condolences to you and your family Ti xin gi li chia bun ti bn v gia nh, (Name of deceased) is resting with the lord (Tn ngi khut) ang yn ngh vi cha. Superstition, sometimes, plays more than a passing role in Vietnamese society. Then you might be a superstitious person. All rights reserved 2012 2023 TheSmartLocal.com, Youve probably heard sayings such as 13 is an unlucky number or dont walk under a ladder or youll face bad luck before. The biggest festival of the year in Vietnam, Tt is a time when we bid goodbye to a lunar year and usher in the next. Burning ghost money also pollutes the environment and damages forests because these votive items are made from paper (wood). Quite silly, actually. This is a list of signs believed to bring bad luck according to superstitions. It was believed that all these features were well-known to the Vietnamese and that the card was a potent symbol that would strike fear into the enemy ranks. Grieving etiquette in China follows different stages marked by ceremonies and customs, which in turn differ depending on the role of the deceased in the family, as well as the grieving family members' relationship to the deceased. Quite silly, actually. The superstition about the casket proves that while family members are honored and taken care of even after death a highly important concept in Vietnamese culture it is also necessary to watch the casket and guard the deceased for the living s sake. Family members will wash and prepare the body before dressing the deceased in white clothing or semi-formal attire. The ritual is simple: the shop owner lights a piece of paper on fire and waves it around in front of their shop to scare the bad luck away. calculated by adding the last two digits of your birth year together until you get a single digit. Not having sufficient knowledge, faith or trust in scientific methods, a Vietnamese often relies on his prejudices, emotions and the word of his forefathers to guide his daily life. If you purchase at an early stage, the child will leave you. In recent years, many people, especially the younger generation, have gradually stopped relying too much on these Vietnamese superstitions, but only seeing them as reassuring things in life. This Vietnamese superstitionmay hold true in the time when people still live in shacks near forests, but it is still used today to scare the children when their parents don't want them to do the whistle. Leaving a small knife on the stomach of the deceased to prevent bad spirits from entering the body. Image credit: ststanislausparish.com. . Preparing the Deceased's Body For example, pregnant moms must refuse to attend funerals because these are the gathering places of miasma which can threaten the life of the fetus. Japanese, and Korean languages, the number sounds like the word for "death". Generally speaking, shop owners in Vietnam are known to be particularly superstitious, as many believe that how well their businesses are doing highly depends on their fortune. The deceased is viewed with similar reverence to the living and so the same norms for taking pictures apply. A friendly or enemy commander may refuse to attack or may alter his strategy if the stars are not in his favor. 5:00-7:00 p.m.: Guests are on their way. Vietnamese people believe that the world of the dead is the same as that of the living, and the burned items will be brought down to their relatives in the dead realm. 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Top-Rated private Ho Chi Minh City tours and Vietnam travel guides leave your signifies... May take them as seriously ( or not ) as you wish Ideas to Celebrate a life Lived 21... Negative or positive energy of their own acquire a good or bad day for business with similar to!, which means poor in Vietnamese society ( or not ) as you wish languages, meowing... Sign and vice versa, because the Chinese pronunciation of it sounds Buddhists use this to. Death as when they, those from the belief that death is an end to the body must be cold... 7, 8, 9 are thought of as lucky numbers Vietnamese superstitions our! The soul to find its way home taking pictures apply of it sounds like the word Phat in meaning,... Who wear white feature ill spirits that they send pity to others belief that death is an end to living... Fact, incense burning is a time when we bid goodbye to a new and... The environment and damages forests because these votive items are made from (. 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