Da Nang promotes civilized funerals with increased cremation support

Da Nang is actively working to promote civilized funeral practices, signaling a determined effort to gradually change traditional burial customs. The city's government, along with various social organizations, is emphasizing the role of officials and community members in fostering a genuine shift in public perception.

For a long time, the Vietnamese concepts of "a son's duty is until death" and "peaceful graves and beautiful tombs" have been deeply ingrained. Consequently, choosing cremation has remained a point of hesitation for many families. However, as land becomes an increasingly precious resource, adopting burial methods that conserve space and minimize environmental impact is becoming an inevitable trend.

Da Nang's initiative goes beyond mere calls for change. Since 2020, the city has offered financial support for cremation. Now, over five years later, it is introducing new policies designed to significantly increase this assistance. Previously, the maximum support was 5.08 million Vietnamese dong per cremation. The new draft policy could raise the total support to 12.71 million dong, covering cremation costs, burial shrouds, and urns.

This adjustment demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting citizens in changing deeply rooted customs. By leading with policy, Da Nang aims to provide residents with more viable options for civilized burials, thereby boosting the cremation rate, which currently stands at a modest 10%. While financial incentives are crucial, sustainable change ultimately stems from evolving mindsets. A civilized funeral is measured not by the grandeur of the tomb or the length of rituals, but by the solemnity, respect, and affection shown to the deceased. The proactive role of officials and respected community figures is vital in this transition, fostering cremation and electric cremation as natural, humane choices in modern urban life.