The ritual of releasing floating lanterns during the full moon of the seventh lunar month is not only a spiritual activity but also a symbol of filial piety, gratitude, and love. Through the shimmering light of lanterns, people find peace within their souls, remember and honor noble human values. At the same time, the act of releasing floating lanterns is an opportunity to connect generations, preserve and promote the cultural traditions of the nation. However, in modern times, attention must be given to the environmental impact of this activity, with appropriate measures to protect the environment, ensuring the continued value and meaning of the lantern-releasing ritual in life.

The Vu Lan Festival, held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, is one of the most significant spiritual celebrations in Vietnamese culture. Known as the "festival of filial piety," the seventh month is not only a time for descendants to remember the gratitude owed to their parents and ancestors, but also a moment to pray for the souls of the deceased, especially those without a resting place or anyone to honor their memory. Among the traditional rituals of the seventh lunar month, the act of releasing floating lanterns (đèn hoa đăng) is one of the most symbolic and leaves a lasting impression on participants.

The Origins and Significance of the Lantern Releasing Ritual

Releasing floating lanterns is a ritual that originated from Buddhism, with a history spanning thousands of years. In Buddhist tradition, the lantern symbolizes wisdom, the light that guides people out of the darkness of ignorance and toward enlightenment. Floating lanterns, often released onto rivers or lakes during festivals, carry the meaning of prayers for peace, happiness, and the salvation of departed souls.

Releasing floating lanterns during the full moon of the seventh month, in the context of both Vu Lan Festival and the Ghost Festival (lễ xá tội vong nhân), carries deep spiritual significance. Lanterns symbolize not only the light of wisdom but also serve as a bridge between the living world and the spiritual realm. It is believed that the light of floating lanterns can guide wandering souls back to their resting place, helping them escape the suffering of the afterlife.

Releasing Floating Lanterns During Vu Lan: A Symbol of Filial Piety and Gratitude

During the Vu Lan Festival, releasing floating lanterns is a way for descendants to express their filial piety and gratitude toward their parents and ancestors. Each lantern released into the water carries sincere prayers and good wishes for both the deceased and the living. For Vietnamese people, filial piety is always considered the most important virtue, and the act of releasing floating lanterns during the full moon of the seventh month is a clear testament to the respect and gratitude that descendants have for those who raised and nurtured them.

1. Praying for Parents and Ancestors:

   • During the lantern-releasing ceremony, people often pray for their parents and ancestors to find peace and a serene afterlife. Each floating lantern represents the deep filial piety and respect that descendants have for their parents and grandparents.

2. Remembering and Thanking:

   • Releasing floating lanterns is also a way to remember and give thanks to those who have passed away. This is a time for descendants to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of their ancestors, leading them to live meaningful lives that fulfill the expectations of their parents.

Releasing Floating Lanterns During the Ghost Festival: Consolation and Liberation for Souls

The Ghost Festival, also known as the festival to pardon lost souls, takes place on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month and is an important Buddhist ritual. It aims to pray for the souls without anyone to worship them, helping them find liberation. In this context, releasing floating lanterns carries the meaning of praying for these lonely, wandering souls to find their way home and rest in peace.

1. Liberation for Souls:

   • It is believed that souls without a resting place, trapped in the afterlife, will be guided by the light from floating lanterns, finding liberation and peace. This act of kindness reflects the compassion and empathy that people have for forgotten souls.

2. Comfort and Peace:

   • The light of floating lanterns is not only a physical source of illumination but also a spiritual light that brings comfort and peace to departed souls. For the living, releasing floating lanterns is also a way to release emotional burdens, praying for their loved ones who have passed away to have a peaceful afterlife.

The Ritual of Releasing Floating Lanterns at Temples: Honoring Spiritual Values

During the seventh lunar month, the ritual of releasing floating lanterns is often solemnly organized at temples across the country. This is an opportunity for Buddhists and the public to express their reverence and participate in spiritual activities, praying for peace and happiness.

1. Rituals and Sutra Chanting:

   • Before the lantern-releasing ceremony, temples often organize a sutra-chanting ceremony to pray for the souls of the deceased to find peace in the afterlife. Afterward, Buddhists and the public gather to release floating lanterns, lighting up the lanterns with prayers and reverence.

2. Sacred and Spiritual Atmosphere:

   • The atmosphere of the lantern-releasing ceremony at temples is usually solemn and sacred, with the shimmering light of floating lanterns creating a mystical and deeply spiritual scene. This is a time for everyone to calm their minds, focus on prayers, and find inner peace.

Releasing Floating Lanterns in Modern Life: Preserving and Promoting Tradition

In modern life, the ritual of releasing floating lanterns still retains its sacred value and meaning. Many people, despite being busy with work and life, still take time to participate in the lantern-releasing ceremony during the full moon of the seventh month. This is not only a spiritual activity but also an opportunity for people to connect, share love, and cherish noble human values.

1. Connecting Generations and Preserving Tradition:

   • The act of releasing floating lanterns is not just a religious ritual but also a part of cultural tradition that connects generations and preserves spiritual values. Participating in the lantern-releasing ceremony helps younger generations understand the importance of filial piety, gratitude, and love within the family and community.

2. The Spread of Spiritual Values:

   • In modern society, where people face many pressures and challenges in life, the spiritual values of the lantern-releasing ceremony become increasingly important. It is an opportunity for people to pause, reflect on life, focus on the good, and find balance within their souls.

The Environmental Impact of Releasing Floating Lanterns: Awareness and Responsibility

While the ritual of releasing floating lanterns holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, attention must also be given to its environmental impact. Floating lanterns are often made from paper, and if not properly managed, they can pollute the rivers and lakes where they are released.

1. Using Environmentally Friendly Materials:

   • To minimize the negative impact on the environment, many temples and communities have started using floating lanterns made from environmentally friendly materials, such as leaves or recycled paper. This not only helps protect the environment but also maintains the spiritual value of the ritual.

2. Community Awareness and Environmental Responsibility:

   • Raising community awareness about environmental protection during the lantern-releasing ceremony is also essential. Campaigns to collect and properly dispose of floating lanterns after the ceremony have been implemented in many places, contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes and the protection of water sources.

The ritual of releasing floating lanterns during the full moon of the seventh lunar month is not only a spiritual activity but also a symbol of filial piety, gratitude, and love. Through the shimmering light of lanterns, people find peace within their souls, remember and honor noble human values. At the same time, the act of releasing floating lanterns is an opportunity to connect generations, preserve and promote the cultural traditions of the nation. However, in modern times, attention must be given to the environmental impact of this activity, with appropriate measures to protect the environment, ensuring the continued value and meaning of the lantern-releasing ritual in life.