In Dong culture, when an old oerson passes away, they regard that as an 'out of breath' happening. The family will set off fire crackers, called 'sounds of death' for the purpose of assisting the passing soul to heaven. The firecrackers also serve the purpose of letting the neighbors and frieds learn of their bereavement. Other than notifying their immediate family members and relatives of the funeral arrangements, an astrologer is invited to consult about the proper time for holding the funeral procession and the burial service.

If the deceased died of old age at home, the funeral can be held at the Drum Tower to show respect. If the burial ground is located across a river, the casket has to be carried wading through the water, never by way of a roofed bridge.

The mourning period ususlly lasts a month. During this time, the sons of the deceased daily burn incense and paper money at the altar for the dead. At he dinner table, a bowl of rice, complete with a pair of chopsticks, is set at the seat of honor, as if the dead were still present. Before anyone at the table starts to eat, a gesture of offering the first bite of food to the departed is observed. During this first month, the mourning family cannot take part in any weddings, ceremonial celebrations, recreational activities, or journey to distant lands. Within the first three years after a death occurs, all celebrating decorations cannot be in the color of red, only in green.

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