The full moon of the 7th lunar month, also known as Lễ Vu Lan (Vu Lan Festival) or Lễ Xá Tội Vong Nhân (Forgiveness for the Dead), is one of the most important times of the year for the Vietnamese people. This period carries profound religious significance and is a time for reflection, honoring filial piety, and praying for the souls of the departed. It is a festival rich in cultural and spiritual values, symbolizing the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, between people and their ancestors, and between the present and the past.

The full moon of the 7th lunar month, also known as Lễ Vu Lan (Vu Lan Festival) or Lễ Xá Tội Vong Nhân (Forgiveness for the Dead), is one of the most important times of the year for the Vietnamese people. This period carries profound religious significance and is a time for reflection, honoring filial piety, and praying for the souls of the departed. It is a festival rich in cultural and spiritual values, symbolizing the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, between people and their ancestors, and between the present and the past.

Vu Lan Festival and the Meaning of Filial Piety

The Vu Lan Festival, celebrated on the full moon of the 7th lunar month, is a major Buddhist event held to remember the merits of parents, ancestors, and the deceased. The festival originates from the story of Mục Kiền Liên (Maudgalyayana) — one of the ten greatest disciples of Buddha. According to legend, after attaining enlightenment, Mục Kiền Liên used his supernatural powers to search for his deceased mother. However, he discovered that she was suffering in the realm of hungry ghosts, enduring extreme hunger and thirst. Despite his efforts to help her with his powers, he could not relieve her suffering alone. Following Buddha's guidance, he organized a grand offering to the Sangha on the full moon of the 7th lunar month to transfer merit to his mother. As a result, his mother was liberated, and since then, the Vu Lan Festival has become an occasion for children to express filial piety and remember the merits of their parents.

The Vu Lan Festival is also a time for people to fulfill their duties as children, reminding them of the importance of honoring their parents and ancestors. Filial piety has always been highly regarded in Vietnamese society, and the Vu Lan Festival is a beautiful expression of this virtue. During this time, children often visit temples, make offerings, and perform good deeds to pray for their living parents' well-being and for the peaceful liberation of their deceased parents' souls. Additionally, rituals such as worship, chanting, and floating lanterns are held at temples and homes to pray for the souls of the deceased.

Forgiveness for the Dead: Liberating Wandering Souls

Besides the Vu Lan Festival, the full moon of the 7th lunar month is also known as the time for the Forgiveness for the Dead ritual. According to popular belief, the gates of hell open during this period, allowing spirits who are imprisoned in the underworld to temporarily be released. This is an opportunity for the living to show compassion and kindness toward those wandering souls who have no relatives to care for them.

The Forgiveness for the Dead ritual usually involves the offering of food, drinks, sweets, and incense to the spirits. These offerings are not only for ancestors but also for lonely, wandering souls who have no one to remember them. This ritual reflects the compassion, sharing, and empathy of the living toward the suffering and destitution of the spirits.

The Full Moon of the 7th Lunar Month: A Bridge Between the Physical and Spiritual Worlds

In Vietnamese culture, the full moon of the 7th lunar month is not just a time for religious rituals; it is also a crucial moment for people to connect with the spiritual world. Vietnamese people believe that during this time, the door between the material world and the spiritual realm opens, allowing spirits to return to the human world. This is a time for communication between the living and the dead, for prayers and respect for spiritual values and humanity.

The lantern-floating ritual on the full moon of the 7th lunar month symbolizes this connection. Lanterns are released into rivers or lakes, carrying prayers and gratitude to ancestors and deceased loved ones. The light from the lanterns not only illuminates the path for the spirits but also shines into the human soul, bringing peace and tranquility.

Spiritual and Cultural Activities During the Full Moon of the 7th Lunar Month

The full moon of the 7th lunar month is not only a religious festival but also an occasion for various traditional spiritual and cultural activities. During this period, temples across the country hold ceremonies such as chanting, offerings, and prayers for the souls of the departed. Many families also conduct their own rituals at home, preparing offerings for ancestors and wandering souls.

The rituals typically begin early in the morning, with families preparing food, incense, and offerings to present to their ancestors. This is a time for family members to gather, remember their deceased loved ones, and express respect and gratitude. The offerings usually include traditional dishes such as sticky rice, boiled chicken, bánh chưng, fruits, and vegetarian foods, symbolizing purity and cleanliness.

In the evening, people often visit temples to participate in prayer ceremonies, float lanterns, and listen to sermons about filial piety and the impermanence of life. These activities not only help individuals find inner peace but also strengthen their faith and guide them toward humane and ethical values.

The Significance of the Full Moon of the 7th Lunar Month in Modern Life

In modern life, the full moon of the 7th lunar month still holds deep significance for the Vietnamese people. Despite societal changes, the spiritual, moral, and cultural values associated with this time remain preserved and cherished. For many, this period is not only an occasion to pray for their ancestors but also an opportunity to engage in charitable activities, helping those less fortunate and working toward a better life.

Moreover, the full moon of the 7th lunar month is also a time for family bonding, with children and grandchildren coming together to show gratitude and love for their parents and grandparents. In an increasingly busy society, these moments of family reunion during this period become precious, helping people find balance in their lives, strengthen family ties, and reaffirm their commitment to traditional values.

Preserving and Promoting the Spiritual Values of the Full Moon of the 7th Lunar Month

Alongside traditional activities, the full moon of the 7th lunar month also poses challenges regarding environmental protection and maintaining cultural beauty in a modern context. Rituals such as floating lanterns and burning votive paper, while spiritually significant, can harm the environment if not done properly. Therefore, it is essential to balance preserving spiritual values with protecting the environment, such as using eco-friendly materials for lanterns, limiting the burning of votive paper, and promoting charitable activities that benefit society.

Furthermore, educating and raising awareness about the meaning of the full moon of the 7th lunar month is crucial in helping the younger generation understand and appreciate the spiritual and moral values of this festival. Activities such as organizing seminars, cultural and spiritual forums, or charitable programs can help connect communities, convey positive messages, and guide people toward a humane and peaceful life.

Conclusion

The full moon of the 7th lunar month is a special time of the year, carrying profound spiritual, moral, and cultural significance. It is not only an occasion to remember and honor ancestors and parents but also a time for self-reflection, balancing life, and embracing positive values. Despite societal changes, the traditional values of this period remain cherished and promoted by the Vietnamese people, enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the nation.