>Scyrme at 19:47, 6 July 2021

2021-07-06T19:47:56Z

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{{Redirect|Death day|the webcomic|Death-Day}}
{{For|the custom observed in Orthodox Christianity|Memorial service (Orthodox)}}

[[Image:Korean.culture-Jesa-01.jpg|thumb|right|A ''jesasang'' (제사상), literally "death anniversary table" – a table used in Korean death anniversary ceremonies]]
A '''death anniversary''' (or '''deathday''') is the [[anniversary]] of the death of a person. It is the opposite of [[birthday]]. It is a custom in several Asian cultures, including [[Azerbaijan]], [[Armenia]], [[Cambodia]], [[China]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]], [[India]], [[Myanmar]], [[Iran]], [[Israel]], [[Japan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Korea]], [[Nepal]], [[Pakistan]], [[Philippines|the Philippines]], [[Russia]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Vietnam]], as well as in other places with significant overseas [[Overseas Chinese|Chinese]], [[Japanese diaspora|Japanese]], [[Jewish]], [[Korean diaspora|Korean]], and [[Overseas Vietnamese|Vietnamese]] populations, to observe the anniversary on which a family member or other significant individual [[death|died]]. There are also similar memorial services that are held at different intervals, such as every week.

Although primarily a manifestation of [[ancestor worship]], the tradition has also been associated with [[Confucianism]] and [[Buddhism]] (in [[East Asian]] cultural civilizations) or [[Hinduism]] and Buddhism ([[South Asia]] but mainly in [[India]], [[Nepal]] and [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Southeast Asia]]). In [[Judaism]] (the majority religion of Israel), such a commemoration is called a ''[[yahrtzeit]]'' (among other terms). Celebration of mass in memory of a loved one on or near the anniversary of their death is also a part of [[Roman Catholic]] Christian tradition.

== By culture ==

===China===
In China, a death anniversary is called {{lang-zh|c=忌辰|p=jìchén|labels=no}} or {{lang-zh|c=忌日|p=jìrì|labels=no}}. This type of ceremony dates back thousands of years in China (at least to the [[Shang dynasty]]) and historically involved making sacrifices to the spirits of one's ancestors.

===South Asia===
{{main|Śrāddha}}
In India (and Nepal), a death anniversary is known as ''[[Śrāddha|shraadh]]'' (Shraaddha "श्राद्ध" in Nepali). The first death anniversary is called a ''barsy'', from the word ''baras'', meaning year in [[Hindi]].

''Shraadh''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siddhashram.org/s20000849.shtml |title=Shraadh Pitra Santushti Sadhana |publisher=Siddhashram.org |access-date=2014-03-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207194737/http://www.siddhashram.org/s20000849.shtml |archive-date=2013-02-07 }}</ref> means to give with devotion or to offer one's respect. ''Shraadh'' is a ritual for expressing one's respectful feelings for the ancestors. According to Nepali and Indian texts, a soul has to wander about in the various worlds after death and has to suffer a lot due to past karmas. ''Shraadh'' is a means of alleviating this suffering.

''Shraddhyaa Kriyate Yaa Saa'': ''Shraadh'' is the ritual accomplished to satiate one's ancestors. ''Shraadh'' is a private ceremony performed by the family members of the departed soul. Though not mandated spiritually, it is typically performed by the eldest son and other siblings join in offering prayers together.

===Japan===
In Japan, a death anniversary is called {{Nihongo||命日|meinichi}}, {{Nihongo||忌辰|kishin}}, or {{Nihongo||忌日|kijitsu/kinichi}}. Monthly observances of a death are known as {{Nihongo||月命日|tsuki meinichi}}, while annual anniversaries are known as {{Nihongo||祥月命日|shōtsuki meinichi}}.

===Judaism===
{{main|Yahrtzeit}}
Observant Jews commemorate the ''yahrtzeit'' ({{lang-yi|יאָרצײַט|yortsayt}}) of the death of parents, siblings, spouses, or children<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewfaq.org/death.htm|title=Judaism 101: Life, Death and Mourning|work=jewfaq.org}}</ref> according to the [[Hebrew calendar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jewish-funeral-guide.com/tradition/yahrzeit-date.htm|title=Jewish Funeral Guide - Remembrance - Yahrzeit Date Calculation|work=jewish-funeral-guide.com}}</ref> The main observance involves recitation of ''[[kaddish]]'' prayer, and a widely practiced [[Minhag|custom]] is to light a special candle that burns for 24 hours, called a [[yahrtzeit candle]].

===Korea===
{{main|Jesa}}
In Korea, ancestor worship ceremonies are referred to by the generic term ''jerye'' ({{lang|ko|제례/祭禮}}). Notable examples of ''jerye'' include ''[[Munmyo]] jerye'' and ''[[Jongmyo]] jerye'', which are performed periodically each year for venerated [[Korean Confucianism|Confucian]] scholars and kings of ancient times, respectively.

The ceremony held on the anniversary of a family member's death is called ''gije'' ({{lang|ko|기제/忌祭}}), and is celebrated by families as a private ceremony. For such occasions, the women of the family traditionally prepare an elaborate set of dishes, including ''[[tteok]]'', ''[[jeon (food)|jeon]]'', ''[[jeok (food)|jeok]]'', and so forth.

=== Philippines ===
{{main|Funeral practices and burial customs in the Philippines}}In the Philippines, the funeral is only one part of an elaborate mourning tradition. For nine days after the funeral has taken place, [[novena]] prayers are offered in a practice called ''pasiyam'' (although some start the practice the night after the death).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thelasallian.com/2013/11/23/crash-course-funeral-practices-in-the-philippines/|title=Crash Course: Funeral practices in the Philippines|last=Loyola Jr.|first=Roy|last2=Mendoza|first2=Andrea|date=2013-11-23|website=The LaSallian|access-date=2017-08-02}}</ref> It is also customary for another service to be given on the fortieth day after the death, as it is traditionally believed that the souls of the dead wander the Earth for forty days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/doctrine/why-have-a-ritual-service-40-days-after-death/|title=Why Have a Ritual Service 40 Days After Death?|website=Doctrine Unites!|language=en-US|access-date=2017-08-02}}</ref>

One year after the death, the first year death anniversary ({{Lang-tl|babang luksa}}, literally "lowering of mourning") is commemorated with the final service. After the ''babang luksa'', the spouse of the deceased can remarry, and the family can once again hold birthday celebrations and attend parties. The miscellaneous non-valuable belongings of the deceased will also be symbolically burned to represent the mourners being able to move on with their lives.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://juny.expertscolumn.com/article/common-funeral-tradition-and-custom-philippines-part-3|title=Common Funeral Tradition And Custom In The Philippines Part 3|last=Oballes|first=Jane|date=2012-06-23|website=Experts Column|access-date=2017-08-02}}</ref> ''Babang luksa'' is normally commemorated with a meal and prayers ("''padasal''") for the deceased. For one year after a death, mourners dress all in black or wear a black pin as a remembrance during their daily lives.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://tagaloglang.com/luksa/|title=Luksa (dictionary entry)|date=2017-02-15|work=TagalogLang Online Tagalog-English Dictionary|access-date=2017-08-02|language=en-US}}</ref> After ''babang luksa'', the mourners may once again return to their normal dress, although depending on circumstances, some may opt to wear their mourning attire for longer periods.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3864.html#chapter-3|title=Funerals in the Philippines|last=Hays|first=Jeffrey|year=2013|website=Facts and Details|language=en|access-date=2017-08-02}}</ref>

Although only the first anniversary of the death is specifically commemorated, Filipinos further commemorate the deaths of all of their ancestors at their grave sites on [[All Saints' Day]] (November 1) and [[All Souls' Day]] (November 2).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648202/tradition-reunions-bring-filipinos-to-cemeteries-on-day-of-the-dead|title=Tradition, reunions, tribute, business for Filipinos on 'day of the dead'|last=Corrales|first=Nestor|date=2014-11-02|access-date=2017-08-02|language=en}}</ref>

===Vietnam===

In Vietnam, a death anniversary is called {{lang|vi|[[:vi:giỗ|giỗ]]}}, {{lang|vi|ngày giỗ}} (literally "{{lang|vi|giỗ}} day"), {{lang|vi|đám giỗ}} (literally "{{lang|vi|giỗ}} ceremony"), or {{lang|vi|bữa giỗ}} (literally "{{lang|vi|giỗ}} meal"). It is a festive occasion, at which members of an extended family gather together. Female family members traditionally spend the entire day cooking an elaborate banquet in honor of the deceased individual, which will then be enjoyed by all the family members. In addition, sticks of [[incense]] are burned in honor and commemoration of the deceased person. It is not unusual for a family to celebrate several {{lang|vi|giỗ}} per year, so the ceremony serves as a time for families to reunite, much like the Vietnamese new year, [[Tết]]. The rituals are the responsibility of whoever inherits the ancestral estates, typically the deceased's most senior [[Patrilineality|patrilineal]] descendant.

Although a {{lang|vi|giỗ}} is usually a private ceremony attended only by family members (and occasionally also close friends), some are commemorated by large segments of the population. The commemoration of the {{lang|vi|[[Hùng Vương|Hung Kings]]}} ({{lang|vi|[[Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương]]}}), the legendary founders of the first Vietnamese kingdom in Vietnam's remote past, and of the [[Trung Sisters]] are widely participated. In March 2007 {{lang|vi|[[Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương]]}} became a [[Public holidays in Vietnam|public holiday in Vietnam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vietbao.vn/Xa-hoi/Thong-qua-phuong-an-xay-nha-Quoc-hoi-va-nghi-ngay-gio-To/30173078/157/ |title=Thông qua phương án xây nhà Quốc hội và nghỉ ngày giỗ Tổ |publisher=Vietbao.vn |access-date=2014-03-01}}</ref> As in all traditional commemorations, the [[Vietnamese calendar]] is used.

In Vietnamese culture, certain special, traditional dishes (particularly desserts) are only prepared for death anniversary banquets. In addition, favorite foods of the deceased person being honored are also prepared.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://scootersaigontour.com/death-anniversary-in-vietnam/|title=Death Anniversary in Vietnam - Scooter Saigon Tour|date=2017-05-31|work=Scooter Saigon Tour|access-date=2018-05-26|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Chicken]], a particularly prized meat in Vietnam, is often cooked as well. In Central Vietnam, small stuffed [[glutinous rice]] [[Rice flour|flour]] balls wrapped in leaves called {{lang|vi|[[bánh]] ít}} are such a dish.<ref name=":0" /> Because the preparation of so many complex dishes is time-consuming, some families purchase or hire caterers to prepare certain dishes.<ref name=":0" /> It is also common that a soft-boiled egg be prepared and then given to the oldest grandson.<ref name=":0" />

== See also ==
* [[National day of mourning]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://wanderingchopsticks.blogspot.com/2007/05/little-lesson-on-ancestor-worship-and.html Article about Vietnamese death anniversary tradition]
* [http://www.cjvlang.com/Hpotter/book2/bk2ch08.html Article]

{{Death}}
{{Halloween}}

[[Category:Anniversaries]]
[[Category:Bereavement in Judaism]]
[[Category:Asian culture]]
[[Category:Practices in Chinese folk religion]]
[[Category:Confucian culture]]
[[Category:Filial piety]]
[[Category:Death in India|Anniversary]]
[[Category:Observances honoring the dead]]

Death anniversary - Revision history

>Scyrme at 19:47, 6 July 2021