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Celebrated since time immemorial, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month holds a sacred place with the saying, 'Ceremonies on this day eclipse year-long endeavors.'
Known as the Tet Nguyen Tieu, it signifies the first full moon night of the new year. 'Nguyen' denotes the first, and 'Tieu' translates to night. Also referred to as the Upper Yuan Festival, it stands alongside the Middle Yuan (seventh lunar month) and the Lower Yuan (tenth lunar month) Festivals.
On this auspicious day, people flock to temples, engaging in rituals to honor Buddha and ancestors, seeking blessings for personal and familial well-being.
Diverse Offerings: A Tapestry of Lunar New Year Traditions
Depending on economic conditions or cultural practices, the offerings for the fifteenth day of the first lunar month vary from one family to another. However, they all reflect the sincere gratitude of descendants towards their ancestors, saints, and Buddha, wishing for a peaceful and fortunate year.
People traditionally conduct the Tet Nguyen Tieu ceremony on the 15th day of the lunar January. This is the main day for lunar offerings. It's not just about performing the ceremony anytime; the 'proper' time for the Tet Nguyen Tieu ceremony, according to the ancient customs, is usually during the 'Ngọ' hour!
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Lunar New Year Rituals: Offering to Buddha
Fruits. Sweet rice cake.
- Various bean dishes.
- Lightly seasoned stir-fried vegetables.
- Floating Glutinous Rice Cake.
Vegetarian feasts can consist of 10, 12, or even 25 dishes. The distinctive feature is the representation of the five elements through colors. Red symbolizes fire, green for wood, black for earth, white for water, and yellow for metal. Consuming vegetarian meals aims at achieving balance and tranquility within the soul.
Lunar New Year Rituals: Ancestral Vegetarian Feast
A typical savory feast includes 4 bowls and 6 plates, totaling 10 dishes arranged in a circular fashion.
- The 4 bowls include bamboo shoot noodle bowl, round bowl, vermicelli bowl, and sprout bowl.
- The 6 plates consist of chicken (or pork), sausage (or pâté), sautéed shredded meat, pickled vegetables, sticky rice (or Chung cake), and dipping sauce.
Other ceremonial items include:
- Incense
- Fresh Blossoms
- Golden Horses
- Candle Lights
- Betel Leaves and Areca Nuts
- Liquor, cigarettes
Sacred Lunar New Year Prayers
Namo Amitabha Buddha! (3 times, 3 bows)
- I humbly bow to the nine realms of Heaven, the ten directions of Buddhas, and the Buddhas in all ten directions.
- I respectfully bow to the Heavenly Emperor and Earthly Deities.
- I pay homage to the Local Guardian of the Earth, the Native Spirit of the Land, and the Ancestral Kitchen Gods along with all revered deities.
- I pay respects to the Supreme Ancestor Khao, Ancestor Ty, Elder Siblings, Aunt Di, Siblings within and beyond the family. Our belief (beliefs) are: ...............................................Residing at:.......................................................................
Today is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, meeting the Yuanxiao festival. With sincere hearts, we rectify the offerings, arrange the ritual items, and present them before your honor. We respectfully invite the Local Guardian, the Ancestral Spirits of the Earth, the Ancestral Kitchen Gods, the Five Directions, Dragon Veins, and the God of Wealth. We humbly request your divine presence, descend before us, witness our sincere invitation, and accept the offerings. We extend our invitation to the Ancestors Khao, Ancestor Ty, and all Ancestral Spirits within and beyond the family, ................................ hear our earnest prayers, accept the invitation from your descendants, descend to bear witness, and enjoy the offerings.
Once again, the faithful invite the Ancestors, welcoming the Ancestor of the Past and the Ancestor of the Future to partake in the offerings, bearing witness to our sincere hearts, safeguarding and supporting our collective well-being. May the four seasons know no hindrance, and the eight periods be filled with peace.
Namo Amitabha Buddha! (3 times, 3 bows)
