The full moon of the 7th lunar month, also known as the Ghost Festival, is one of the most significant spiritual events in Vietnamese culture. This is not only an occasion for descendants to express their filial piety to their ancestors, but also a time to perform the "Xá Tội Vong Nhân" ceremony, or the forgiveness ceremony for wandering souls. This ritual is intended to bring peace to lonely spirits and to ensure the well-being of the living.

The full moon of the 7th lunar month, also known as the Ghost Festival, is one of the most significant spiritual events in Vietnamese culture. This is not only an occasion for descendants to express their filial piety to their ancestors, but also a time to perform the "Xá Tội Vong Nhân" ceremony, or the forgiveness ceremony for wandering souls. This ritual is intended to bring peace to lonely spirits and to ensure the well-being of the living.

The Significance of the Forgiveness Ceremony for Wandering Souls

According to Vietnamese folklore and Buddhist beliefs, the full moon of the 7th lunar month is when the gates of the underworld open, allowing wandering souls to return to the earthly realm to receive offerings from the living. The forgiveness ceremony for wandering souls is performed with the aim of comforting those spirits who have no one to care for them, helping them find peace and move on from their suffering.

In addition, this ceremony also carries a profound humanitarian message, reflecting the compassion and generosity of the living towards hungry, neglected souls. It is believed that these acts of kindness not only bring blessings to the family but also demonstrate the empathetic and forgiving nature of humanity.

Preparation Before Performing the Forgiveness Ceremony for Wandering Souls

Proper preparation is crucial for performing the ceremony thoughtfully. Below are the basic steps to prepare for the ritual:

1. Choosing the Right Time:

   • According to folk beliefs, the best time to perform the ceremony is during the late afternoon or early evening of the full moon day, when the spirits are believed to start wandering in search of offerings. This is when they can most easily receive the offerings prepared by the living.

2. Preparing the Offerings:

   • The offerings for wandering souls typically include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, such as fruits, candies, white porridge, rice, salt, cooked rice with side dishes, alcohol, water, and paper offerings like joss paper money, paper clothes, and even paper houses and boats. White porridge is a particularly important offering as it is believed to be easily consumed by the hungry spirits.
   • Additionally, paper offerings are essential and are burned after the ceremony, symbolically sending these items to the spirits to provide them with the necessities they lack.

3. Setting Up the Altar:

   • The altar is usually set up outside the house, in the yard or at the front door, facing the street so that wandering souls can easily receive the offerings. It is not advisable to set up the altar inside the house, as this may invite spirits to linger, causing them to become attached to the living space.

Steps to Perform the Forgiveness Ceremony for Wandering Souls

Once all preparations are complete, you can proceed with the ceremony as follows:

1. Arranging the Offerings on the Altar:

   • Carefully arrange the offerings on the altar in an orderly and respectful manner. Before setting up the offerings, it is customary to light incense first, followed by placing each item on the altar. Make sure everything is neatly arranged and not cluttered.

2. Lighting Incense and Praying:

   • After setting up the offerings, light three incense sticks, kneel before the altar, and recite the prayer. The prayer typically includes inviting the wandering souls to receive the offerings and asking for their peaceful passage into the afterlife. You may use a traditional prayer or speak from your heart, expressing your intentions sincerely.
   • The prayer should be heartfelt, reflecting respect and a desire to assist the wandering souls. This is an important step, representing the communication between the living and the spirits.

3. Burning Paper Offerings:

   • After the incense has burned halfway or when it is nearly burned out, proceed to burn the paper offerings. While burning, you should mention the names of the wandering souls or call upon the lonely spirits who have no one to care for them, ensuring they receive the offerings.

4. Scattering Rice and Salt:

   • After the ceremony, scatter rice and salt around the house or along the road. In folk beliefs, rice and salt are small but essential offerings for the wandering souls, helping them accumulate blessings and quickly find peace.

Important Considerations When Performing the Forgiveness Ceremony for Wandering Souls

As a significant spiritual ritual, there are several key points to keep in mind to ensure the ceremony is performed properly and meaningfully:

1. Avoid Mentioning the Names of the Living:

   • During the ceremony, avoid mentioning the names of living individuals to prevent the spirits from becoming confused and following them back home. If there is someone in the family who is ill, it is best that they do not participate in the ceremony.

2. Do Not Take Offerings Back Inside:

   • The offerings made during the forgiveness ceremony for wandering souls are intended for the spirits and should not be brought back inside the house, consumed, or used by the living. Instead, the offerings can be given to children, the needy, or respectfully disposed of.

3. Be Cautious When Setting Up the Altar:

   • When setting up the altar in front of the house, ensure there are no obstacles in the entrance. After the ceremony, allow some time before clearing the offerings to avoid disturbing the peace and harmony of the household.

Conclusion

The forgiveness ceremony for wandering souls is a beautiful spiritual practice in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing compassion and support for those spirits who have no one to care for them. By performing this ceremony with sincerity, not only are the wandering souls comforted and helped towards peace, but the living also receive blessings and tranquility. Properly performing the forgiveness ceremony for wandering souls helps preserve and promote the traditional values of the nation, while contributing to a peaceful and happy life for all.