According to Venerable Thich An Dat - Member of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, in Buddhism, the 1st and 15th days of each month are often called Soc Vong days. These are also times when Vietnamese people have a tradition of remembering grandparents, ancestors and those who have passed away.
Offering trays indoors and outdoors on the full moon of July have different meanings. Offering trays indoors are mainly for remembrance of grandparents, ancestors and those who have contributed to the family.
Meanwhile, outdoor worship is aimed at sentient beings without shelter, with the intention of praying for them to be liberated, and at the same time praying for peace for the homeowner.
Depending on economic conditions, customs of each region and beliefs of each family, the offerings for the full moon of July can be prepared differently. Buddhist families often prioritize vegetarian offerings.
Below is the offering tray for the full moon of July indoors and outdoors for families to refer to:
Offerings to ancestors (offerings in the house)
- Incense, lights, candles.
- Flowers, fruits.
- Wine, water.
- Savory feast (sticky rice, chicken, stir-fried dishes, soup, spring rolls, spring rolls, sweet sticky rice... ) or vegetarian feast (sticky rice, vegetarian stir-fried dishes... ).
- Gold votive paper (may include clothes, paper shoes... ).
Offering tray for worshiping sentient beings (outdated worship)
- Banh da, popcorn, corn.
- Candy.
- Water, salt, rice.
- Flower porridge.
- Fruits.
- Gold coins, banknotes, clothes of sentient beings.
- Fragrance, candles.
- Boiled potatoes, boiled eggs...
According to custom, on the full moon day of July, the homeowner performs a ceremony to worship Buddha, gods and ancestors first, then performs a ceremony to worship sentient beings.
The worship ceremony for sentient beings is performed outside the yard, outside the alley or in front of the house, not placed in the house. According to folk beliefs, this ceremony is usually held before 12 noon.
Homeowners also need to distinguish between offerings for ancestors and offerings for sentient beings. For clothes and votive paper for ancestors, the recipient's name can be clearly written to avoid confusion.
