Event The 7th Month Full Moon in Vietnamese Culture

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The 7th Month Full Moon, also known as the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, is an important festival in Vietnamese culture and many other Asian countries. This day has its origins in China and features special traditions and customs, including the Vu Lan Festival and the Day of Pardoning the Spirits.
 

What is the 7th Month Full Moon? Origins and Significance

The 7th Month Full Moon originated from Taoism during the late Eastern Han period in China. It is known as the day when the "Gates of Hell Open" from the 1st to the 30th of the 7th lunar month. During this time, the gates of hell open for souls who have died unjustly or are not being worshipped, allowing them to ascend to the human world to receive offerings from the living. To avoid being harmed by these spirits, people hold ceremonies with food, drinks, and paper money.

In Vietnam, the ceremony for the 7th Month Full Moon is typically performed at temples first, and then at home, during the day to avoid holding it in the evening or at night. This day is also referred to as "Offering to the Wandering Spirits" or "Offering to the Hungry Ghosts," and is a time for families to express their filial piety towards their ancestors.

Origins and Significance of the Vu Lan Festival

The Vu Lan Festival originates from the story of Mục Kiều Liên (Mục Kiều Liên), who saved his mother from being a hungry ghost with the guidance of the Buddha. Mục Kiều Liên organized a ceremony to offer to the Three Jewels on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month to rescue his mother from hell. The Vu Lan Festival has become an occasion for children to show gratitude and filial piety to their parents, whether in this life or previous ones. During the Vu Lan Festival, people often wear a red rose on their left chest to express their filial respect.

Origins and Significance of the Day of Pardoning the Spirits

The Day of Pardoning the Spirits, or the "Offering to the Wandering Spirits," originates from the story of A Nan Đà (A Nan Da) and a fire-spitting demon. To avoid being reborn as a hungry ghost, A Nan organized a ceremony and recited the mantra "Save the Hungry Ghosts from the Fire" as instructed by the Buddha. This day has become an occasion to make offerings to wandering spirits who have no one to worship them, and to show compassion and help relieve their suffering. Families often offer thin porridge, rice, cakes, and salt to help these spirits find relief.