Eternal Resting Grounds: The History and Social Significance of Chinese Cemeteries (Yishan) in Vietnam

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Roots in the Southern Soil

Introduction

In the migration history of the Overseas Chinese in Vietnam, the concept of "Yishan" (義山)—charitable or public cemeteries—represents more than just a place for the dead. As recorded in Chen Tianjie’s memoirs, these hallowed grounds were essential pillars of the Chinese community's social fabric in Cholon and Saigon during the 1920s. They symbolized the migrants' journey from being "sojourners" to becoming part of the local landscape while maintaining an eternal link to their ancestral roots.

The Role of the "Five Bangs" in Funerary Welfare

The establishment and maintenance of cemeteries were primarily the responsibility of the "Five Bangs" (The Fujian, Guangzhou, Chaozhou, Hainan, and Hakka congregations). Under the French colonial administrative system, the government delegated the management of "life and death" to these community organizations.

• Exclusive Bang Cemeteries: Each dialect group purchased large tracts of land on the outskirts of the city to establish their own Yishan. For instance, the Cantonese (Guangzhou) Bang and the Fujianese Bang had distinct territories.

• Charitable Function: The term "Yishan" (literally "Righteous Hill") implies a charitable mission. These cemeteries provided free or low-cost burial plots for impoverished laborers and "coolies" who had no family in Vietnam, ensuring that no Chinese person was left without a proper resting place.

The Rituals of Remembrance

The Chinese cemeteries in Vietnam were centers of cultural activity, especially during the Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping) Festival. Chen Tianjie describes a vibrant scene of cultural preservation:

• Architectural Heritage: Gravestones and ancestral shrines were built in traditional Chinese styles, using materials and craftsmanship that mirrored their hometowns in Guangdong or Fujian.

• The "Bon Dance" and Festivals: During the Ghost Festival (Ullambana) and Qingming, the cemeteries became gathering spots where traditional operas were performed to appease the spirits and provide a space for the living to reconnect with their heritage.

Quotable Quotes on Chinese Cemeteries

"Each of the Five Bangs established their own 'Yishan' (cemeteries), ensuring that even the poorest migrant could find a resting place among their kin."

"To the Overseas Chinese, the Yishan was the final anchor; it was where the wandering soul finally found peace in a foreign land."

Conclusion

The "Yishan" system in Vietnam was a profound expression of Chinese communal solidarity. By taking responsibility for the dead, the Chinese congregations in Vietnam reinforced the social bonds of the living, creating a lasting legacy of cultural resilience that survived the colonial era.

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