Vietnamese Tradition

[Phillieagle]

In our parish we have several Vietnamese families. Prior to and after receiving communion they fold their arms over their chest. I am curious about this tradition. One of the families children just made their first communion with my son. The children were taught to fold their hands after receiving. This past Sunday I noticed one of the parents correct their child’s hand position after receiving to the folded arms. Just a curiosity.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

In our parish we have several Vietnamese families. Prior to and after receiving communion they fold their arms over their chest. I am curious about this tradition. One of the families children just made their first communion with my son. The children were taught to fold their hands after receiving. This past Sunday I noticed one of the parents correct their child’s hand position after receiving to the folded arms. Just a curiosity.

This is actually a French custom and being the French missionaries where in Vietnam, my guess is thats where it comes from. They did this at the French parish that my parents grew up in, and I remember seeing my uncle and his son, who belonged to that parish doing it. By the time I became a member at that parish the custom faded away. I saw it again at a French Church in France, when I was visiting there.

My understanding is, after the person receives Communion, they fold their arms and bow their heads and return to their seats. This is a symbol of humility and reverence for Christ, who they just received.

Jim

 

[VietCatholic83]

being vietnamese american, don’t know if this is a “tradition” or just something that people do…it’s a lot better than having one’s arms hanging to the sides like many in my parish do when in the communion procession.
In the west, we perceive folding one’s arms as a gesture of “defense” or indifference. But I think the vietnamese do it as a gesture of reverence. those are just my thoughts. personally I choose to fold my hands together.

 

[water]

But I think the vietnamese do it as a gesture of reverence.

That is correct. I do this at mass.

When I was younger and got in trouble, I would have to do the same thing when my mother was talking to me - it is a way to show respect to my mother.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9430/vietnamese1rs2.jpg

 

[Phillieagle]

Thanks for the information.

 

[reff]

That is correct. I do this at mass.

When I was younger and got in trouble, I would have to do the same thing when my mother was talking to me - it is a way to show respect to my mother.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9430/vietnamese1rs2.jpg

Thank you very much for that information, i love learning little different things about other cultures.

 

[Gearoidin]

That is correct. I do this at mass.

When I was younger and got in trouble, I would have to do the same thing when my mother was talking to me - it is a way to show respect to my mother.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9430/vietnamese1rs2.jpg

This was very interesting to learn. Thank you for sharing. We have a young priest from Vietnam here.
Gearoidin