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In Vietnamese spiritual beliefs, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is considered one of the most important and sacred holidays of the year. It is not only a time for the Vu Lan festival, a celebration of filial piety and gratitude to grandparents, parents, and ancestors, but also an opportunity for people to practice compassion and sharing through the custom of offering food to wandering souls. In modern life, many families still wonder how to prepare a complete and proper offering tray and when to perform it to preserve the sacred meaning of the holiday.
In Vietnamese folk beliefs, the full moon of the seventh lunar month is one of the most important full moon days.
According to the lunar calendar, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month in 2025 will fall on Saturday, September 6th. This is considered the main day of the festival, the ideal time for families to perform all the necessary rituals. Besides the main day, families can also perform the rituals a few days before the festival to avoid peak days and crowds. However, the most important thing remains the sincerity and reverence of the family.
In Vietnamese folklore, the seventh lunar month is also known as the "month of wandering souls" – a time when the gates of hell open, allowing spirits to return to the mortal world. Therefore, in addition to offering sacrifices to Buddha and ancestors, the custom of offering food and alms to wandering souls has become a beautiful humane tradition, reflecting the compassion and benevolence of the Vietnamese people. Despite differing interpretations of the "month of wandering souls," the general spirit of the 15th day of the seventh lunar month remains one of goodness, gratitude, and sharing.
In the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people, the offering tray on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month not only signifies remembrance but also reflects the spirit of sharing and doing good.
A traditional offering ceremony for the 7th lunar month (Rằm tháng 7) typically includes three separate trays of offerings: one for Buddha, one for ancestors, and one for wandering souls (hungry ghosts). However, depending on individual circumstances and beliefs, each family can adjust the offerings accordingly, as long as they express sincere reverence.
For Buddhist families, preparing an offering to the Buddha is an indispensable part of the ritual. This offering is usually vegetarian, with dishes made from vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, etc., simple yet pure. Some families may only need a plate of fresh fruit. The offering to the Buddha is usually performed during the day, in a peaceful setting. After the offering, the family will partake in the offerings, feeling the peace from the vegetarian food. Offering to the Buddha not only shows respect for the Buddha but also allows the family to focus their minds on goodness.
This is considered the most important offering on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, expressing the deep remembrance and gratitude of descendants to their grandparents and ancestors. The ancestral offering can be either savory or vegetarian, depending on the tradition of each family. A savory offering usually includes dishes such as boiled chicken, pork, fish, etc., prepared elaborately. A vegetarian offering is equally rich with dishes like tofu and vegetable salads. Essential offerings include betel nuts and leaves, incense, candles, fresh flowers, fruit, wine, water, and sticky rice. Each dish is meticulously prepared and respectfully arranged to show reverence.
The offering tray for wandering souls is usually set up outdoors, specifically for homeless and homeless spirits. A distinctive feature of this offering tray is that the offerings are often divided into small portions, reflecting the desire to give alms and share with many spirits. Common offerings include thin white porridge (usually divided into 12 small bowls), rice balls, salt and rice to be scattered in all directions after the offering, along with fruits, sweets, popcorn, and colorful paper clothing. Unlike indoor offerings, the offering to wandering souls is usually held in the late afternoon or evening, after sunset, especially during the Hour of the Rooster (5 PM – 7 PM). Offering at this time is considered appropriate according to folk beliefs about the presence of spirits.
Each offering tray on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month carries its own meaning. The offering to Buddha represents a virtuous and Buddhist devotion. The offering to ancestors is an opportunity for descendants to remember and express filial piety. The offering to all beings reminds everyone of the spirit of compassion and sharing. All of these create a humane and spiritual cultural tapestry, guiding people towards positive values while preserving and promoting the precious traditions of the Vietnamese nation.
