The Rites of Passage for the Dead to the Afterlife in the Funeral of the Tay People in Dak Lak Province

Abstract

In the context of cultural interference and integration among ethnic groups in the new land, the Tay people in Dak Lak province retain a deeply-rooted ethnic cultural tradition. Ancestor worship ranks high in their spiritual life; therefore, the passage of the dead from the physical world to the afterlife one of their ancestors is an essential part in the funeral rites. The long-standing ethnic cultural values in the funeral rites of Tay people are crucial norms of their spiritual culture which reflect their moral values and views of human and life. The article explores the rites of passage of Tay people in Dak Lak province, thereby clarifying their worldview and concept of afterlife.