The three most prominent religions in Viet Nam are Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Because of the French influence, Catholic churces are also prevelant.
On the streets you will see areas where people pray to Buddah. They offer gifts of food and drink to Buddah, and burn insence. Monks dressed in saffron robes walk the strees and chant scriptures.
When people die, they are "buried" above ground. At least one tradition is to bury the dead near a garden close to the family's home. After a year, the body is exhumed, the bones are cleaned, and then reburied in an above ground cemetary. Flowers are placed on the grave at the time of burial and at the New Year. "Big" flowers are used in funeral arrangements.
At certain times you will also see ancestor and spirt worship. During these times paper items representing money, cell phones, cars and other "earthly treasures" are burned in an effort to provide the dead with gifts they can use in the after-life.
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