Exhumation is a spiritual ritual in Vietnamese culture and entails a number of procedures. In the following article, we at https://www.bachhoaxanh.com/ will share with you our experiences and tips regarding the exhumation process.
1 When is the Right Time to Exhume?
According to Vietnamese customs and traditions, the ideal time to exhume and relocate a grave is after three years from the burial.
Ideal Time for Exhumation
However, if any of the following issues arise, it is advisable to proceed with the disinterment and relocation of your ancestors’ remains without delay, starting with the necessary permissions:
- The grave inexplicably cracks or sinks; surrounding trees and plants wither and die.
- The burial ground is waterlogged or infested with termites or ants.
- The family encounters a string of misfortunes, including sudden negative changes in the behavior of children, business setbacks, family discord, and so on.
- Multiple deaths occur within a short span, with two or more family members passing away before the age of 50 within a five-year period.
- Family members consistently struggle with their studies or careers, experiencing financial losses and business setbacks.
- Family members suffer from chronic or unusual illnesses that persist despite prolonged treatment.
- Two or more family members become disabled, excluding those with congenital or hereditary conditions.
- The family seeks better fortune and enlists the help of a feng shui expert to find an auspicious location for the ancestral grave.
Additionally, the exhumation and relocation process may vary depending on the customs and practices specific to your region.
Reference: at home and outside the grave, the most up-to-date standard in 2023
2 When Not to Exhume?
However, before initiating the exhumation process, it is important to be aware of the following situations where it is not advisable to disturb the resting place of the deceased:
- Do not exhume if the grave is a “grave bundle.”
- A grave bundle is one that has absorbed the spiritual energy of the heavens and the earth. When examined by a psychic, this type of grave emits a vibrant energy. Alternatively, a visual inspection may reveal that the grave is expanding, with lush and rapid plant growth.
- The presence of a golden snake when digging around the grave is considered an omen by ancient beliefs, known as the “dragon snake qi object.”
- Finding a pink thread wrapped around the coffin when opening it is another indicator of a grave bundle.
Cases When Not to Exhume
If any of these signs are present, it is advisable to leave the grave undisturbed, especially in the case of a grave bundle, to avoid inviting misfortune and complications in the family’s future.
In situations where relocation is unavoidable, it is recommended to consult a feng shui master and employ complex feng shui techniques to safely carry out the process.
3 Steps for Exhumation
Before the Exhumation:
- Determine an auspicious age for the exhumation process.
- Perform a ceremony to worship and pay respects to the family’s ancestors.
- Prepare offerings to demonstrate reverence to the ancestors.
- Locate the exact position of the grave before digging to avoid disturbing neighboring graves.
- At the new burial site outside the cemetery, conduct a ritual to introduce the remains to the local deities.
Prepare the Following Items for the Exhumation:
1 small container
1 coffin
1 red cloth
1 plastic sheet
1 cup of wine
1 bottle of alcohol
1 basin for washing the remains.
Exhumation Procedures
During the Exhumation:
- Before opening the coffin, pour a small amount of alcohol inside to cleanse it of negative energy.
- Next, carefully remove the remains, clean them, and place them in the coffin.
- Insert a bundle of incense into the bottom of the grave.
- Finally, transfer the remains to the new burial site and construct a new grave after the relocation.
4 How to Obtain Permission for Exhumation?
When seeking permission for exhumation, it is essential to follow these steps:
Worship the Earth God
Worshiping the Earth God is a crucial step in the exhumation process, as it seeks permission from the guardian deity of the grave. This ritual should be performed with sincerity and respect, using clear and specific prayers, along with appropriate offerings such as fruits, alcohol, incense, a brush, and a basin.
Additionally, in many places, it is necessary to obtain permission from the local People’s Committee of the ward or commune before proceeding with the exhumation.
Choose a New Burial Location
When selecting a new burial site, it is advisable to choose an undisturbed area with solid ground. In lowland areas, the best soil is often yellowish, fine, and firm, with six to seven distinct layers when dug up.
Avoid placing the grave in areas with overly soft soil, as this may negatively impact the remains of the deceased.
Obtaining Permission for Exhumation
Grave Thanksgiving Ritual
After obtaining permission for exhumation, it is customary to perform a grave thanksgiving ritual to express gratitude to the deities for their permission and to seek their continued protection over the new burial site.
The ritual typically includes the following sections:
Part 1: Respectfully bow to the local deities, including the Earth God and other spirits.
Part 2: Explanation of the reason for the thanksgiving ritual.
Part 3: Prayers and requests for blessings.
Part 4: Expression of gratitude.
5 Prayer for Exhumation
“Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!
We bow to the Nine Heavens, the Ten Directions, and the Buddhas of the Ten Directions.
We bow to the Deities of the City God Temple and the Great Kings.
We respectfully bow to the Eastern Kitchen God, the Official in Charge of Life and Death, and the Stove God.
We respectfully bow to our ancestors, the High Ancestors, and the High Ancestresses.
Today is the … day of the … month of the … year, in the province of …, district of …, commune of …, village of …, at the grave of the Deceased (name).
We are saddened by the passing of our father (or mother), who has left the mortal world.
His (or her) physical body lies here, buried three feet beneath the ground.
His (or her) soul has departed, and his (or her) body has returned to the earth, a hundred years have passed, and his (or her) remains lie here.
Due to previous circumstances, the burial site was not properly aligned with the directions and elements.
Now, we have found a better location and will respectfully move his (or her) remains, performing the necessary rituals.
May his (or her) soul enjoy peace in the new resting place, and may his (or her) afterlife be blessed.
May his (or her) virtues be passed down, and may he (or she) continue to protect and bless his (or her) descendants.
Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!
Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!”
Prayer for Exhumation
6 Tips and Procedures for Exhumation
Inspect the Grave: Before proceeding with exhumation, thoroughly examine the grave to look for signs indicating whether exhumation is advisable or not.
Choose the Right Time for Exhumation: Typically, the timing of exhumation depends on the burial date and the condition of the grave.
Select a New Burial Site: It is believed that choosing a site with favorable feng shui elements, such as a good direction and the presence of mountains and water (known as “lucky tomb”), can bring good fortune and smooth life to the family.
Choose an Auspicious Day and Time for Exhumation: Exhumation is usually performed at night to avoid exposing the remains to the sun. Additionally, the day and time should be compatible with the age of the deceased and the age of the eldest son or daughter in the family.
Determine the Size of the Grave: Measure the dimensions of the grave using specialized feng shui tools such as the Lu Ban ruler or the Ding Lan ruler.
It is crucial to perform the necessary rituals and prayers before and after the exhumation process and to prepare the appropriate offerings and prayers.
Tips for Exhumation
7 Taboos and Precautions During Exhumation
- Individuals with illnesses, children, and pregnant women should not participate in the exhumation process. These individuals are highly sensitive to negative spiritual energy.
- Individuals with incompatible ages should refrain from exhumation activities.
- Avoid exhuming a grave before the minimum time for relocation has passed.
- It is considered inauspicious to exhume a grave during a leap year (according to folk beliefs).
- Exhumation should preferably be carried out at night, starting from dusk until around 5–6 a.m., before sunrise.
Taboos and Precautions
We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights and guidance regarding the exhumation process. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns.
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