Description: After a funeral, people would put salt on themselves in order to keep spirits out of their home. Background: The informant observed the ritual from his mother. Transcript: ML: My mom puts salt on herself before entering the house after a funeral. Me: Is there a reason that your mom does that? ML: I… Continue Reading »
Description: After a family member is cremated, the family would pass the remains across the family chopstick to chopstick. Background: The informant observed this in his family during funerals. Transcript: ML: Another thing I’ve noticed more is that we can’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick. Ao whenever we’re eating, and we share, she puts… Continue Reading »
Main story: Transcribed from my friend telling me about an event from his childhood memories. My friend will be referred to as TA and myself as MH. TA: Funerals are a bit different in Vietnam than here. Honestly, it gets a little crazy with the amount of people. But essentially what happens is that when… Continue Reading »
NA: Um, also after funerals you have to take a shower. Interviewer: And this is everyone or just those who want to participate? NA: And like some people will do to the extent that even when they get a phone call of someone dying they take a shower. Interviewer: Do you have any idea why… Continue Reading »
Context: The first time he told me this joke, the informant and I we with this his siblings on a family vacation in Florida, and we were in one of many car rides. They were telling jokes and he remembered this one— saying it was his best joke. Piece: “Okay you ready? Okay so… uh a widow brings… Continue Reading »