According to traditional beliefs, Doan means the beginning, while Ngo is the time of midday - when the sun rises highest, expressing the prosperity of the ocean in nature.
Doan Ngo Tet is not only a traditional holiday of the Vietnamese people but is also celebrated in many East Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea...
In Vietnam, this holiday often falls in the period of severe heat, with pests developing strongly. Therefore, Doan Ngo Tet is also known as "pests' Day", expressing the folk belief in purifying the body and protecting health from harmful agents.
Depending on different regions, the Doan Ngo Lunar New Year worship tray is also different. However, the basic offering tray usually includes sticky rice, fruit plate, ashes cake, 3 cups of water, incense, lamps, candles, flowers... After placing the offerings on the altar, the homeowner conducts the offering and reciting the Kinh.
The homeowner lit 3 incense sticks, lit lamps or candles and respectfully offered a ceremony to the deceased grandparents and ancestors.
Below is the Doan Ngo Tet holiday according to the book Traditional Worship of Vietnam - rituals and rituals ( though World Publishing House, 2024):
"Nam Mo A Di Da Phat"
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat
The child bowed to the sky, the Buddha to the ten, the Buddha to the ten;
Worship the fairies, masters, masters, and mothers;
I prostrate to the First Family Council with Huong Linh Gia, aunts and grandparents; The owners, the owner of the land, and the eyebrows hidden here.
Today is the 5th day of the 5th lunar month of 2025.
My name is:..., residing in:.... Believe in the incense offering ceremony to worship the sky and earth, praying for favorable weather, a bumper crop season, and good health for family members.
Therefore, I would like to respectfully invite councils at all levels and festival committees to enjoy the offerings and our supplication".
After the ceremony, the homeowner bowed 5 times and read the scriptures:
"Bwedging my head in gratitude
Father and Mother of the earth originated from a distant place
We gave birth to our baby
The profession of fate is still heavy, debt has been owed for a long time
The only thing that he could do was look forward to it
Father loves mother very much
Eliminate the rampant insect
Corn in good harvest, crops are in good harvest
Clearing the epidemic, the land and sky are peaceful
We wish to only change fate
Find a bright path, sow good luck".
After reading, bend 5 bows.
At the end of the ceremony.
