What happens at a Vietnamese Australian funeral?
Vietnamese Australian funerals often combine Mahayana Buddhist, Catholic, Confucian and ancestor veneration customs. Some families follow Buddhist rites. Some are Catholic. Some combine cultural mourning customs with a secular or Western style service.
The funeral director should ask which tradition guides the family, who the senior family decision maker is, whether a monk, priest or temple is involved, and whether the family needs several days of viewing, prayers or offerings.
What should be arranged early?
Ask whether the family wants a Buddhist service, Catholic Mass, both, or a civil ceremony with cultural elements. Confirm whether incense, chanting, rosary, offerings, portrait display, headbands, mourning clothing or a long viewing will be used.
The venue must approve incense and any burning of offerings. Fire and smoke rules apply in funeral homes, crematoria and cemeteries.
The viewing and service
Vietnamese funerals may include extended viewing, with family members receiving visitors beside the coffin. A portrait, flowers, incense, candles and offerings may be placed near the coffin. Family members may wear white mourning clothing or headbands, depending on custom.
Buddhist families may invite monks to chant. Catholic families may hold a vigil, rosary, funeral Mass or graveside prayers. Many families include both cultural and religious elements.
Burial, cremation and ashes
Both burial and cremation are used. Burial may be chosen because of family tradition, Catholic practice or ancestor veneration. Cremation may be chosen because of cost, cemetery availability or family preference.
If ashes are kept at home, placed at a temple, interred or taken overseas, the family should check temple, cemetery, airline and destination rules before making plans.
Mourning and memorial days
Some Vietnamese Buddhist families observe the 49th day and 100th day. Annual memorials may also be important. Catholic families may observe Masses after death, on the 30th day, 100th day or anniversaries, depending on family custom.
These observances are family-led. The funeral director does not need to manage all of them, but should know if later cemetery, ashes or memorial bookings are needed.
What guests should know
Wear white, black or subdued clothing. Avoid red and bright celebratory colours. You may be invited to bow, light incense, place flowers, pray the rosary or sit quietly.
Condolence money may be given in some families. Ask someone close to the family if you are unsure. Do not photograph the service unless the family has clearly allowed it.
Further reading
- SBS Cultural Atlas: Vietnamese culture
- EthnoMed: death rituals in Vietnamese society
- ABS: Cultural diversity, Census 2021
Frequently asked questions
Are Vietnamese funerals Buddhist or Catholic?
Why do some Vietnamese funerals run for several days?
What should guests wear?
Can incense be used?
Are 49 day and 100 day observances common?
When you are ready
This guide is general information to help Australian families, editorially reviewed by the Funerals Direct team from publicly available sources. It is not legal or financial advice. Funeral prices change and vary by provider and region, so always ask for an itemised written quote. For prepaid funerals, bonds, or insurance, consider speaking with an independent financial adviser or a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007.
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