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According to legend, during a bumper harvest season, farmers rejoiced for their successful crops. However, that year, a swarm of pests came in abundance, devouring all the fruits and crops that had been harvested. The people were deeply worried, at a loss for how to deal with the pest infestation when an old man named Duo Truan appeared.
The old man instructed the villagers to each set up an altar with simple offerings: cakes, fruits, and then engage in physical exercises outside their homes. Following his advice, the pests soon tumbled over, defeated. The old man added: Every year on this day, the pests are particularly ferocious. If you follow these instructions on this day each year, you will be able to control them.
Grateful and in remembrance of this event, the villagers designated this day as 'Pest Extermination Tet', some referred to it as Tet Doan Ngo because the offerings are usually made around noon.
3. Significance of Doan Ngo Tet
Villagers perform the Doan Ngo Tet ritual to launch a campaign against pests, eradicating harmful insects and diseases affecting crops, while also praying for a prosperous harvest season.
According to folklore, consuming fruits and sticky rice wine on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is a method to eliminate pests. On this day, it is advised to rinse the mouth three times to cleanse it of pests, drink a bowl of sticky rice wine to intoxicate the pests, followed by eating fruits to kill the pests.
In many places, families have the habit of eating charcoal cakes, also known as rice ball cakes, floating rice cakes, or lotus seed sweets, to ward off pests and illnesses within the body.
4. What to Avoid During Doan Ngo Tet?
During Doan Ngo Tet, it is advised to avoid the following to prevent misfortune:
Be mindful not to lose money
According to folklore, losing money on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is considered akin to dropping one's wealth, leading to a decline in fortune. Therefore, people going out on this day need to pay special attention to their personal belongings, avoiding loss or misplacement.
Avoid lingering in shady or gloomy places
On Doan Ngo Tet, when leaving the house, people should avoid stopping in shady or gloomy places with negative energy such as cemeteries, funeral homes, hospitals, as it may affect their health.
Avoid leaving sandals scattered around
In Chinese, the word for shoes sounds like 'evil', so leaving them scattered may attract negative energy. Therefore, on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it's advised to neatly arrange shoes to avoid attracting misfortune to one's wealth and relationships.
Absolutely refrain from looking into mirrors after midnight
According to folklore, after midnight on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, negative energy becomes highly active, so it's crucial not to look into mirrors or take photos in front of them to avoid attracting negative energy that may affect health.
Above is an article about the origin and significance of Doan Ngo Tet. Hopefully, this article has provided you with additional information about this day.
