What is 'giựt cô hồn'? Is it ominous? What day is the 'giựt cô hồn' day?

As the lunar July approaches each year, the tradition of 'giựt cô hồn' has become a familiar part of Vietnamese culture. However, not many truly understand the essence of this phenomenon and the points to note when participating. Embark on a journey of discovery with Mytour Blog to delve deeper into the meaning of the 'giựt cô hồn' ritual and the considerations during its practice.

What is 'giựt cô hồn'? What day is the 'giựt cô hồn' day?

'Giựt cô hồn' or 'spirit snatching' is a familiar concept in folklore, often associated with spiritual phenomena where the performer temporarily appropriates or 'snatches' the offerings of the homeowner after the homeowner has finished offering them to outsiders. This phenomenon may stem from belief in spiritual power or from psychological motives for the participants.

This can be considered a unique cultural tradition of the people of Saigon on every occasion of commemorating the wandering spirits. During this time, families often prepare an altar specifically for the wandering souls who have no one to worship them or are in difficult circumstances. The altar is usually adorned with various types of cakes, fruits, meats, gold coins, incense, and other items...

Typically, the day of spirit snatching will take place on the full moon of the 7th lunar month every year. This year, the full moon of the 7th lunar month falls on August 30th in the Gregorian calendar, falling on a Wednesday.

Origin of Spirit Snatching

The origin of the 'spirit snatching' custom may stem from beliefs and spiritual practices in certain cultures, especially in countries influenced by Buddhism and Eastern spirituality. Specifically, the 'spirit snatching' custom often appears in countries with beliefs in Buddhism, Taoism, and other folk spiritual traditions.

In Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, offering to wandering spirits is an important part of ancestor worship and honoring spirits. The origin of the 'spirit snatching' custom may be rooted in the belief that in the lunar July, the gateway between the mortal world and the spiritual realm opens, allowing wandering spirits without worshippers to return to the mortal world. Therefore, those who perform the 'spirit snatching' custom believe they can help these spirits by 'snatching' them back to the spiritual world.

Is 'spirit snatching' ominous?

A different perspective is that some believe participating in spirit snatching may lead to grabbing possessions from spirits, causing risk or bad luck for oneself. However, reality shows that this viewpoint is merely personal belief and oral tradition, not specifically proven. It is said that spirit snatching is part of Vietnam's cultural tradition, carrying significance of respect and humanity. Consuming the food after participating in spirit snatching is a normal act, unrelated to 'stealing' from ghosts. Additionally, there is no basis to believe that this will bring about misfortune as oral tradition has said.

How to Conduct Spirit Snatching Offerings

Spirit snatching offerings are a ritual in spiritual culture, and the method of execution may vary depending on the region and beliefs. Here are some common practices in conducting spirit snatching offerings:

• Prepare the offering table: Firstly, the family will prepare the offering table with foods such as cakes, fruits, meats, gold coins, incense, and other spiritual items.
• Recitation and invocation: During the offering, the practitioner usually performs recitations and invocations to invite the spirits to participate in the offering meal.
• Flowers, incense, and candles: Various types of flowers and incense are often placed on the offering table, symbolizing the creation of a sacred environment and inviting spirits. Candles are usually lit to illuminate the spirits on their journey to the spiritual world.
• Setting the offering date: The offering date and time are usually followed according to the lunar calendar, especially in the lunar July – considered the 'gateway' between two worlds.
• Music and singing: Some families may perform musical pieces, singing, or lion dances to make the ceremony more solemn and warm.
• Thoughtfulness and respect: Spirit snatching offerings often come with deep thoughts and respect for the spirits. This demonstrates reverence and hope that wandering spirits will find peace and happiness.

Key Points for Spirit Snatching

Spirit snatching not only brings joy but also comes with many blessings; however, it is important to pay attention to important considerations. Here are some key points to know when participating in the ritual of spirit snatching:

For the Homeowner

• Complete the offering ceremony before 12 midnight on the full moon day of the lunar July.
• Choose the time for the ceremony in the afternoon or evening to avoid strong sunlight during the day.
• Avoid using salty foods such as sticky rice, chicken, pork,... Prefer cakes, candies, fruits, and especially thin porridge.
• Place the altar in front of the yard or outdoors, avoid placing it right at the doorstep.
• When spreading gold coins on the altar, turn to the 4 directions: East, West, South, North, and set up 3 – 5 – 7 incense sticks.
• At the end of the offering ceremony, scatter rice and salt in the yard and sugar before burning the paper gold.
• The leftover food after the ceremony should be wrapped and given to those in difficult circumstances or beggars, should not be brought into the house.

For the Person Performing the Ritual

• Perform the ritual immediately after the homeowner has completed the offering ceremony.
• If someone else has taken an item first, do not try to snatch or compete for it back.
• If your item has been snatched or stolen by someone else, it is also advisable to avoid disputes.

Here is an overview of what 'spirit snatching' is, its significance, and things to consider when participating in this cultural practice in Vietnam. Hope you will have a better understanding of this cultural aspect of Vietnam through this information. Don't forget to visit Mytour for more useful information.