Meaning of Doan Ngo Tet
According to folk customs, Doan Ngo Tet takes place on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month every year. In 2026, Doan Ngo Tet falls on the 19th day of the 6th lunar month.
In folk beliefs, this is also known as the "worm killing day". The ancients believed that there are parasites in the human body that affect health, so it is necessary to perform rituals and use some typical foods to eliminate them.
Besides its folk meaning, Doan Ngo Tet is also an occasion for children and grandchildren to express their respect for grandparents and ancestors.
Preparing the Doan Ngo Tet offering tray
The Doan Ngo Tet offering tray does not need to be too elaborate, mainly familiar offerings, suitable for each family's conditions. Usually, the offering tray includes: incense, fresh flowers, lamps or candles, clean water, white wine, betel and areca, sticky rice wine, banh tro, banh u tro, seasonal fruits...
Depending on the region, the offering tray may be different but all aim for fullness, solemnity and sincerity.
Detailed and complete Doan Ngo Tet prayer text (According to Vietnamese Traditional prayer text - Culture Information Publishing House):
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
I bow to the Nine Heavens, the Ten Directions of the Buddhas, the Buddhas of the Ten Directions.
I respectfully bow to the Emperor, Heaven, Earth, and all the venerable gods.
I respectfully bow to Lord Ban Canh Thanh Hoang, Lord Ban Xu Tho Dia, Lord Ban Gia Tao Quan and all the venerable gods.
I respectfully bow to the ancestors, Hien khảo, Hien ty, all Huong linh (if father and mother are still alive, replace them with To khảo, To Ty).
Our believers are:...
Located at:...
Today is Doan Ngo Day, we are repairing incense burners, preparing offerings, flower lanterns, tea and fruit to offer before the altar.
We respectfully invite Lord Ban Canh Thanh Hoang, All Great Kings, Lord Ban Xu Than Linh Tho Dia, Lord Ban Gia Tao Quan, Ngu Phuong, Long Mach, Tai Than, respectfully ask you to descend before the court to witness your sincerity and enjoy the offerings.
We respectfully invite the To Khao, To Ty ancestors, all ancestral spirits of both paternal and maternal relatives... to bow and ask you to pity your children and grandchildren to witness the sincere heart of enjoying the offerings.
Believer, I respectfully invite the Precedents and Later Masters at this house, this land is in harmony with the past, in harmony with the future, blessing us with a prosperous and healthy life, and a peaceful destiny. Four seasons without obstacles, eight periods enjoying peace and prosperity.
We offer a sincere and humble offering, before the altar, respectfully offering, and bow to ask for blessings and protection.
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
Nam mô a di Đà Phật!
