Exercise 1: Read the text and answer the question.

FUNERAL CEREMONY IN VIETNAM

Traditionally, Vietnamese people believe that death is one of the most solemn ceremonies as “The sense of the dead is that of the final”. The funeral ceremony in Vietnam undergoes several steps. First, the body will be washed and dressed; then, a pinch of rice and three coins are put in themouth of the body, then they lay chopstick between his teeth. After that, the body is put on the ground with the meaning that “being born from the earth, one must return back to the earth.” Next, he is enveloped with white cloth, and put in to the coffin. Finally, the master of the funeral officially performs the funeral ceremony. During these days, all family members have to wear coarse gauze turbans and tunics, and hats made of straw, or dry banana fiber. Worshiping meals and music are offered to the dead during these days. All relatives, neighbors and friends come to offer their condolences. The funeral procession is conducted. All relatives, friends, and family members join the procession to accompany the dead to the burial ground. After three days, there is a ritual of opening the grave. After 49 days, the family stops offering meals for the dead to the altar. 100 days later, the ritual of “the end of the tears” is celebrated. The mourning will end after three years. Nowadays, although mourning ceremonies follow simple rituals, they keep traditional meaning and solemn ceremonies to express their respect to the dead.

1. What is considered to be the most solemn ceremony in Vietnam?

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2. How many steps are there in the funeralceremony?

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3. What do family members have to wear during the funeral?

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4. Who shows the condolences to the dead?

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5. When does the family stop offering meals for the dead to the altar?

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6. Is funeral ceremony now more simple or more complex than in the past?

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