According to the belief in northern Vietnam, cremating bodies would cause their loved ones to feel “heat” in the afterlife, while temporary burial would allow their bodies to decompose coolly and naturally in a temporary house. After decomposition was complete through the period of 3 years, the bodies could then be removed to their permanent houses nearby other family members. Thus, placing one’s ancestors bones together in one place insures that the larger family will be near each other in the afterlife.
More photos from the series can be found HERE.
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