The Vu Lan Festival, which falls on the full moon of the 7th lunar month, also known as the filial piety festival, is one of the most significant events in Buddhism and Vietnamese cultural traditions. This is a special time for descendants to express their filial piety, remember the gratitude owed to their parents and ancestors. In Vietnam, Vu Lan is not only celebrated within families but is also solemnly observed at temples, attracting a large number of Buddhists and people from all walks of life.

The Vu Lan Festival, which falls on the full moon of the 7th lunar month, also known as the filial piety festival, is one of the most significant events in Buddhism and Vietnamese cultural traditions. This is a special time for descendants to express their filial piety, remember the gratitude owed to their parents and ancestors. In Vietnam, Vu Lan is not only celebrated within families but is also solemnly observed at temples, attracting a large number of Buddhists and people from all walks of life.

The Origins and Meaning of the Vu Lan Festival

The Vu Lan Festival originates from the story of Maudgalyāyana (Mục Kiền Liên), one of the ten principal disciples of Buddha. According to legend, after attaining enlightenment, Maudgalyāyana used his spiritual powers to look for his mother and discovered that she was suffering in the hellish realms, tormented by hunger due to the sins she had committed during her lifetime. He offered all he had to Buddha to save his mother but to no avail. Buddha advised him to organize a grand offering with the Sangha on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month to pray for his mother and other wandering souls. Since then, the full moon of the 7th lunar month became known as Vu Lan, a time for descendants to remember and pray for their deceased parents and ancestors.

The Vu Lan Festival carries profound meanings of filial piety and family love. It is an occasion for people to express their gratitude towards the sacrifices and contributions of their parents, both living and deceased. The Vu Lan Festival also serves as a moment of self-reflection, encouraging individuals to live righteously, show love, and respect to those around them.

The Vu Lan Festival at Temples in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the Vu Lan Festival is celebrated solemnly at temples of all sizes across the country. The festival activities typically begin on the 1st day and continue until the full moon of the 7th lunar month, with various meaningful and solemn ceremonies.

1. Offering Ceremony (Lễ Cúng Dường Vu Lan):

   • The offering ceremony is one of the most important rituals during the Vu Lan Festival. Buddhists and people bring offerings such as flowers, fruits, vegetarian food, drinks, incense, candles, and even money to temples. The purpose of this offering is to pray for the souls of the departed to be released from suffering and for the living to accumulate blessings for themselves and their families.

2. Rose-Pinning Ceremony (Lễ Bông Hồng Cài Áo):

   • The Rose-Pinning Ceremony is a special ritual during the Vu Lan Festival. In this ceremony, each person receives a rose to pin on their shirt: a red rose for those whose mothers are still alive, and a white rose for those whose mothers have passed away. This ritual honors the sacred bond between mother and child, reminding everyone of their duty and responsibility towards their parents.

3. Lantern-Release Ceremony (Lễ Thả Đèn Hoa Đăng):

   • One of the most prominent and widely attended activities during the Vu Lan Festival at temples is the Lantern-Release Ceremony. Participants release floating lanterns into rivers or lakes, each representing a prayer or a tribute to their parents and deceased loved ones. The glowing lanterns create a peaceful, serene atmosphere, adding to the spiritual significance of the event.

4. Memorial Prayer (Lễ Cầu Siêu):

   • The Memorial Prayer is conducted at temples during the Vu Lan Festival to pray for the souls of the departed, especially those who have no one to care for them, and those who are wandering aimlessly. Monks lead the chanting of sutras and prayers to guide these souls towards peace and liberation from suffering. This is also a time for the living to practice virtue and pray for their own peace and the well-being of their families.

The Cultural and Spiritual Atmosphere at Temples

The Vu Lan Festival is not only an occasion for ancestor worship but also an opportunity for people to find inner peace at temples. In the tranquil and sacred atmosphere of the temple, Buddhists and visitors can set aside their daily worries, focusing on spiritual practice and doing good deeds.

During the Vu Lan Festival, temples are often adorned with paintings, Buddha statues, lotus flowers, roses, and lanterns, creating a sacred and solemn setting. People visit temples not only to participate in the ceremonies but also to seek tranquility and reduce their inner anxieties. The festival also fosters community bonds, encouraging love, kindness, and mutual support.

Vu Lan Festival in Modern Life

In modern life, the Vu Lan Festival continues to hold its value and significance. Despite the hustle and bustle of contemporary life, many young people still find time to visit temples and engage in Vu Lan activities to express their filial piety. The festival has become an integral part of Vietnamese spiritual culture, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

Additionally, the Vu Lan Festival serves as a moment of self-reflection, where individuals learn to live ethically, show love, and appreciate what they have. For children, Vu Lan is a reminder of their duties and responsibilities towards their parents and grandparents. For the community, the festival is an opportunity to spread love, unity, and support for one another.

Conclusion

The Vu Lan Festival on the full moon of the 7th lunar month is a significant occasion in Vietnamese spiritual life, reflecting filial piety and gratitude towards parents and ancestors. The celebration of Vu Lan at temples not only adds to the solemnity and sacredness of the festival but also creates a meaningful cultural space, helping people to embrace the best values of life. In modern society, the Vu Lan Festival continues to play a crucial role, encouraging individuals to cultivate virtue, strengthen family bonds, and foster community spirit.