The 15th day of the 7th lunar month, also known as Vu Lan or the Ghost Festival, is one of the most significant days in Vietnamese religious culture. It is a time for descendants to remember and show gratitude to their ancestors, parents, and those who have passed away, as well as to pray for their peaceful passage to the afterlife.

The 15th day of the 7th lunar month, also known as Vu Lan or the Ghost Festival, is one of the most significant days in Vietnamese religious culture. It is a time for descendants to remember and show gratitude to their ancestors, parents, and those who have passed away, as well as to pray for their peaceful passage to the afterlife.

History and Significance of the 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month

The 15th day of the 7th lunar month has its roots in Buddhism, originating from the story of Mục Kiền Liên, one of the foremost disciples of the Buddha. According to legend, after achieving enlightenment, Mục Kiền Liên thought of his deceased mother and wanted to know if she had been freed from suffering. Using his spiritual powers, he discovered that his mother was suffering in hell due to the sins she committed during her lifetime. To save his mother, Mục Kiền Liên sought the Buddha's guidance and was instructed that only by making offerings to the monastic community on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, along with the prayers of the monks, could he liberate his mother from her suffering.

Since then, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month has become Vu Lan, a day for filial piety and remembrance of parental and ancestral gratitude, as well as an occasion to perform rituals for the souls of those who have not yet attained liberation.

Rituals and Customs on the 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month

On this day, Vietnamese people typically engage in various religious rituals and activities to offer prayers and make offerings for the deceased. Some common customs include:

• Food offerings for wandering souls: This ritual involves offering food to the souls of those who have not yet attained liberation, especially those who have no one to care for them. The offerings typically include rice, salt, thin porridge, fruits, and cakes. It is believed that through this offering, these souls will be nourished and relieved from suffering.

• Ancestor worship: Worshiping ancestors is a crucial part of the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. Families usually prepare a feast, incense, and offerings such as fruits, cakes, wine, and tea to honor their ancestors. It is an occasion for the family to gather, remember their forebears, and pray for their peace in the afterlife.

• Floating lanterns: In many places, floating lanterns on rivers during this festival is an indispensable activity. These lanterns, often made from paper or lotus leaves with candles inside, are released into the water with prayers. It is believed that the light of these lanterns will guide the souls of the deceased towards liberation.

• Releasing animals: On this day, many people release animals as a way to accumulate merit and pray for peace and safety for themselves and their families. Commonly released animals include birds, fish, turtles, or other creatures. This act symbolizes compassion and the desire to bring freedom and liberation to all beings.

The Profound Meaning of the 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month

This day is not only an occasion for descendants to remember and honor their ancestors but also carries deep humanitarian values. It embodies filial piety and gratitude towards parents for their sacrifices and nurturing. Additionally, Vu Lan reminds everyone of the impermanence of life and the cycle of birth and death, encouraging people to live better, do good deeds, and focus on the positive aspects of life.

Moreover, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is a time for people to think about lonely souls who have no one to care for them. Through rituals such as offering food, floating lanterns, or releasing animals, individuals express compassion, sharing in the suffering of these souls and praying for their liberation.

How to Perform the 15th Day of the 7th Lunar Month Rituals at Home

The rituals for the 15th day of the 7th lunar month at home are usually simple yet solemn. Here are some basic steps to conduct the ritual at home:

1. Prepare offerings: The offerings for ancestor worship typically include a vegetarian or meat-based meal, fruits, water, wine, tea, incense, candles, and various types of sweets. For the ritual to offer food to wandering souls, you can also prepare rice, salt, thin porridge, and simple dishes.

2. Clean the altar: Before the ritual, it is important to clean the altar, wipe down the altar items, and replace the water and flowers.

3. Perform the ritual: After setting up the offerings on the altar, light the incense and candles, and recite prayers to invite the ancestors to join the ceremony. For the food offering ritual, after completing the prayer, you can scatter rice and salt outside or along the road to share with the wandering souls.

4. Conclude the ritual: After the incense has burned down, you can distribute the offerings and share them with family members. It is important to conduct the ritual with sincerity and respect.

The 15th day of the 7th lunar month is a special occasion in the year for people to offer prayers and honor the deceased. This day not only celebrates filial piety and gratitude towards ancestors but also embodies great humanitarian values. It is a time for individuals to slow down, reflect on the values of life, and practice compassion and sharing with those who are still suffering in the afterlife.