Many people avoid attending funerals when feeling unwell, especially young children, the elderly, and pregnant women, fearing that they might catch a chill from the deceased that could lead to illness. However, there are also many who regard this belief as superstition and not worthy of trust. So, what is the truth behind this phenomenon?
The fear of catching a chill from the deceased is prevalent in folk beliefs, as it is thought to be a cause of illness.
Should we believe in the timing of death or certain days being unlucky? Are there remedies or herbs to dispel the odor of decay? Is it true that those with weak constitutions are more susceptible to illness after attending a funeral? These questions stem from the anxieties of the living, who believe in the consequences of not adhering to these taboos or think that “avoiding danger brings safety“.
Historically, in many rural areas and even in cities, many people refrain from attending funerals out of fear of the “chill” present in the homes of the deceased. Many believe that this chill is a cause of illness.
According to Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huong, a specialist in oncology at Can Tho Central General Hospital, there are various types of funerals. Some deaths occur in the young, some in the elderly, some from non-communicable diseases, and others from infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and AIDS. Thus, depending on the cause of death, there are specific regulations for burials aimed at preventing the spread of disease. It is only after six hours post-mortem that the body begins to exhibit a “chill”.
In medical terms, real death is defined as the cessation of the heart, breathing, and brain activity, with bodily functions gradually shutting down and not being reversible, energy production halting, and body temperature beginning to drop. When real death occurs, the oxidation process stops, and the body begins to decompose. At this stage, two phases occur:
- Early Changes: Lasting 8 – 10 hours after real death, during which external rigor mortis sets in, and within the intestines, bacteria and parasites proliferate quickly, causing tissue decay and foul odors, with the abdomen swelling.
- Late Changes: From 10 hours onwards, fermenting bacteria produce gases that cause the body to swell, distorting the face and leading to the liquefaction of internal organs, with putrid fluids leaking from natural openings…
This is the process for a body that has died of old age. If death results from trauma, infectious diseases, or conditions of war, the decomposition process occurs more rapidly, significantly impacting the living environment if not handled swiftly. Thus, the belief that some should keep their distance from the deceased due to the “chill” associated with old age is merely superstition. However, in cases of death due to illness, especially infectious diseases, the quick handling and burial of the deceased is scientifically justified, and it is advisable for individuals with weak immune systems to avoid close proximity.
Children and individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis and high blood pressure are more susceptible due to their weakened immune systems.
Historically, there has always been a fear of the chill found in the homes of the deceased, which is a real phenomenon. The occurrence of illness attributed to exposure to this chill is common, especially among those already suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis or high blood pressure. In fact, the “chill” is a sign of the bacterial environment created by the decomposing body. To prevent illness, medical professionals often advise individuals with weak immune systems, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those suffering from chronic illnesses, to avoid attending funerals.
In some places, it is customary to place a charcoal stove burning pomelo peels and bitter fruits at the entrance to dispel negative energy. In terms of functionality, the heat from the charcoal and the smoke from the pomelo and bitter fruit can help sterilize the environment, stabilizing the body temperature of funeral attendees, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Many also chew raw ginger, drink garlic-infused alcohol, or consume leaves from the guava tree before and after attending a funeral. These practices are beneficial for health as these foods contain medicinal properties that boost the immune system.
The Truth Behind Cancer Patients Avoiding Funerals
Funerals are a traditional practice among our people to express mourning and remembrance for the deceased.
Due to this significant meaning, most people make an effort to attend funerals, including cancer patients.
Most cancer patients commonly believe they should avoid funerals, fearing it will shorten their lifespan.
According to medical experts, there is currently no scientific evidence to prove that attending funerals worsens the condition of cancer patients.
Experts also explain that the worsening of a patient’s condition after attending a funeral may be due to the sadness and grief experienced by those present, which directly affects the psychological state of the patients.
This emotional impact directly affects the feelings and mood of the patients, leading to negative thoughts. For instance, they may imagine their own demise, worrying about how their children and family will cope after their passing.
These negative emotions contribute to a decline in their health, giving cancer cells an opportunity to grow and spread aggressively, leading to panic when patients realize their condition has worsened after attending a funeral.
Furthermore, the significant growth of cancer cells or tumors following a funeral may simply be coincidental. This misunderstanding leads people to believe that attending funerals causes their condition to deteriorate.
If cancer patients are in stable health and have a resilient spirit, they can attend funerals. Conversely, if they are feeling unstable and still recovering, they should limit their attendance at funerals.
