Folk Taboos When a Household Has a Funeral: Between Belief, Eastern Medicine, and Science
In Vietnamese culture, a funeral is not only a farewell ritual but also an occasion to express filial piety and respect. Surrounding the funeral are numerous taboos passed down through generations, reflecting the ancient worldview. In modern times, these must be understood thoughtfully, avoiding extreme superstition.
The Origin of 'Cold Air' from the Deceased
One of the most common taboos is keeping the sick, those with underlying conditions, or pregnant women away from the body or funeral. Folk wisdom calls this avoiding the 'cold air' of the deceased, believed to worsen illness or even drain the living's vitality.
According to martial artist Tran Van Hue, who studies Eastern medicine, the human body has khi (vital energy) and blood working together to fight disease. When sick, khi weakens, allowing evil khi (bad external energy) to invade. A corpse is cold due to lack of body heat, oxidation stops, decomposition begins, and bacteria multiply, spreading into the environment. Those with weak resistance are vulnerable to infection, worsening their condition.
Explaining via physics, the living body has bioelectric currents with both negative and positive charges. After death, only negative charge remains. Healthy people may not feel it, but weak individuals may feel chills, actually an interaction of opposite charges. However, Dr. Ban Tuan Nang (Institute of Culture and Development) admits modern science hasn't proven 'cold air'.
Eastern Medicine Perspective: Yin-Yang Imbalance
From an Eastern medicine view, avoiding 'cold air' has some basis. In yin-yang philosophy, a healthy body maintains balance. When ill, yin khi is already higher. Absorbing more yin khi from a funeral worsens the imbalance, leading to poor health outcomes. Eastern medicine treats holistically, addressing root causes.
However, doctors at several Hanoi hospitals assert no scientific basis for 'cold air'. Dr. Thai Hoa, Head of Internal Medicine 2 at K Hospital, states: 'No evidence links attending funerals to worsening disease.' For cancer patients, dietary restrictions relate to medications, not funerals.
Psychological and Hygienic Explanations
Though unproven scientifically, the psychological impact of funerals is real. Sick individuals may be disturbed by mourning atmosphere, leading to insomnia and stress, which weakens health. This is a psychosomatic chain, not supernatural 'cold air'.
Hygienically, dead bodies undergo decomposition, releasing chemicals and microbes. Yet only some diseases are airborne; most spread via fluids, blood, saliva. Thus, not all illnesses are contracted at funerals.
Other Common Taboos During Mourning
Other prevalent beliefs include:
- Avoiding mirrors and sharp objects in the mourning house: To prevent reflecting the deceased's image or cutting off the family's fortune.
- Avoiding borrowing, lending, or financial transactions: Believed to bring bad luck or loss.
- Avoiding lavish meals and entertainment: To maintain solemnity and respect.
- Restricting strangers from entering during the first 3 or 7 days: Fear of foreign khi disturbing the soul's journey.
- Pregnant women avoiding funerals: To protect the fetus from 'cold air' and emotional distress.
- Children kept away from the coffin or body: Due to weak immunity and psychology.
Modern View: Respect Tradition, Understand Essence
Today, many taboos are reinterpreted scientifically and humanely. Instead of fearing 'cold air', we understand the sick should avoid crowded, gloomy places to protect physical and mental health. Pregnant women should limit funeral attendance due to stress, not supernatural reasons.
Maintaining rituals and taboos also honors ancestors and preserves cultural beauty. Yet, avoid extremism that turns taboos into pressure or division.
Conclusion
Funeral taboos blend folk belief, Eastern philosophy, and practical concerns about death. Though science can't confirm metaphysical elements, their value lies in reminding us to live responsibly, protect health, and respect the deceased. Embrace wisdom: preserve tradition without letting it become superstitious burden.
