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The Full Moon day of January, known as Tet Nguyen Tieu, is a time when Vietnamese people visit temples to pay respects and seek blessings for a peaceful and lucky year. However, not everyone is aware of the taboos associated with temple visits on this day. Read the accurate insights in Media Mart's article below.
1. Taboos When Visiting Temples on the Full Moon Day of January
Absolutely avoid offering salty items to the temple. People should opt for simple and sincere offerings, expressing genuine respect. Consider items like betel leaves, fruits, or sweet rice cakes. In many temple areas, only vegetarian offerings are allowed, especially the main temple area where salty offerings are prohibited.
Salty offerings are limited to specific areas within the temple, such as shrines like the one dedicated to Duc Ong, Thanh, Mau, and other designated areas.
Do not offer gold, jewelry, or real money inside the temple. Some believe the spirit realm is similar to the physical world, leading them to present luxury items and real money. However, this is a taboo. If brought, place them only on the altar dedicated to Thanh Mau or Duc Ong.
Avoid placing real money on the main altar of the temple. Do not place alcohol, beer, or cigarettes on the Buddha's altar. However, you can place them on the altar for Saints.
When attending temple ceremonies, people should not pray for fame or wealth. In Vietnamese Buddhism, it is believed that the Buddha only protects and ensures peace for families and individuals, not necessarily granting other desires.
One thing to note when going to the temple is to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing short pants, skirts, or sheer clothing. Choose neat and modest attire. If possible, wear clothes in the same color as fellow Buddhists attending the ceremony.
When entering the temple, pay attention to your manners and speak politely. When talking to the monks, it's respectful to join your hands in the lotus position.
The order of worship is also something to be mindful of. However, not everyone knows how to perform the rituals or offer tributes correctly. It is advisable to make offerings in the order of the Altar for Deities - main temple altar - other shrines such as the shrine for Mother Goddess, the Four Palaces, and finally, the Ancestors' Shrine.
Above are the things to keep in mind when visiting the temple on the Full Moon day of the Lunar New Year. Feel free to read and apply these guidelines. Don't forget to follow Media Mart for the latest and most useful information.
