On the first day of the Lunar New Year, many people wonder whether it's appropriate to go to a pagoda. If you're also pondering this question, read the article below for detailed information.
1. To go or not to go to the pagoda on the first day of Tet?
The first day of Tet is the beginning of the new year in the Lunar calendar. On this day, Vietnamese people often refrain from certain activities to ensure good luck throughout the year. Therefore, many people are unsure whether to go to the pagoda on the first day or not.
In reality, Vietnamese people have a habit of going to the pagoda on the first day of the month, full moon days, and Tet. Some even attend the pagoda on New Year's Eve, welcoming the first moments of the new year. Going to the pagoda on the first day of the new year is a beautiful cultural practice in the beliefs of the Vietnamese people.
Families visiting the pagoda at the beginning of the year not only seek blessings and enjoy the scenery but also pray for peace and good luck for their loved ones. This is an act of seeking a sacred and peaceful place for the entire family, hoping for a new year filled with luck and prosperity.
2. Things to Avoid When Visiting Pagodas on the First Day of Tet
- Avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate attire when attending temple ceremonies on the first day of Tet. Temples are solemn and peaceful places, requiring visitors to dress modestly and respectfully.
- Do not wear shoes into the Tam Bao entrance: This is a taboo that everyone should be aware of when visiting all temples.
- Enter Tam Bao through the side entrance, avoid walking directly through the main entrance, and do not step on the threshold. Walk around the threshold to avoid committing the offense of disrespect.
- Refrain from taking photos or filming inside the temple, especially of Buddha statues, without permission from the temple authorities.
- Do not touch the Buddha statues. Touching the statues is considered disrespectful to the revered Buddha figures.
- Avoid walking across individuals who are praying or kneeling.
- Place merit money in the designated donation boxes without randomly placing it.
- When attending temple ceremonies, refrain from burning excessive incense.
- Use your hands to extinguish flames; never use your mouth to blow out incense or candles.
- Avoid intimate relationships between men and women before visiting the temple.
- Refrain from loud laughter; maintain order and quietness within the temple premises.
- Do not break branches or cut flowers within the temple premises.
- Do not use temple property without permission.
The above are guidelines on whether to visit the pagoda on the first day of Tet, which you should be aware of. Save this for reference and application. Don't forget to follow Mytour to quickly update the most useful information.