What is Doan Ngo Tet?
Lunar New Year, also known as Tet to kill insects, is one of the important traditional holidays of Vietnamese people, taking place on the 5.5th of the lunar calendar. According to folklore, this is the time of changing seasons, when the weather changes, creating conditions for insects and pathogens to develop. Therefore, people organize rituals to destroy insects, protect human health and plants.
One of the typical customs of Doan Ngo New Year's Day is eating sticky rice wine and sour fruit. sticky rice, made from fermented sticky rice, is not only a traditional dish but is also believed to have the effect of killing pests in the body. According to popular beliefs, the buffalo here represents disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. It is believed that when eating sticky rice in the early morning, these "buffalo worms" will be " Provided" and destroyed.
In addition to sticky rice, sour fruits such as plums, fabric... are also popular this day. The sour and sweet taste of these fruits is said to help kill pests and purify the body. In addition, eating fruit in season also means praying for a bumper crop and good health for the whole family.
Rites and rituals on Doan Ngo Tet
In addition to eating sticky rice wine and sour fruit, Vietnamese people also perform many other rituals on Doan Ngo Festival. Some popular customs include:
Triple mouthwatching: Immediately after waking up, people often open their mouths three times to "wash off pests" in the body.
Eat boiled duck eggs: Some regions have the habit of eating boiled duck eggs in the early morning to improve health and kill insects.
Bathe with leaf water: People often bathe with water boiled from natural leaves such as perilla leaves, dried frog, lemongrass leaves to purify the body and repel the wind.
Ancestor worship: Doan Ngo Tet offering tray often includes sticky rice wine, asphalt cakes, summer fruits and other traditional dishes. The ancestral worship shows gratitude and pray for the family's continued blessings.
Doan Ngo Tet is not only an occasion for Vietnamese people to perform traditional rituals but also an opportunity for families to gather and bond. The customs and rituals on this day reflect the philosophy of living in harmony with nature and the concern for human health in Vietnamese culture.
