The full moon of December is one of the last important holidays of the lunar year, carrying the meaning of summarizing a year that has passed and praying for peace and prosperity before entering the new year.
This year, the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (December 15th of the lunar year of At Ty) falls on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 solar calendar.
According to traditional customs, on this day, many Vietnamese families prepare offerings to offer to ancestors, grandparents and gods. The offering tray does not place much emphasis on sophistication but focuses on solemnity, neatness and sincerity of the homeowner.
In the book "Vietnamese Traditional Prayers" published by the Culture and Information Publishing House, offerings include incense, flowers, betel and areca, fruits, gold coins and a cup of clean water. Depending on the conditions, families can prepare additional savory offerings such as boiled chicken, sticky rice, soup, and wine to offer.
Besides offerings, prayer text is an indispensable part of the full moon ceremony in December.
Below is the December full moon prayer - according to the book "Vietnamese Traditional Prayers":
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 Buddhas, the Buddhas of the Ten Directions.
I respectfully bow to the Emperor, the Later Earth, all the Supreme Gods.
I respectfully bow to Lord Dong Than Quan.
I respectfully bow to Lord Ban Gia Tho Dia Long Mach.
I respectfully bow to the Five Directions, Five Earths, and the Gods of Merit.
I respectfully bow to your predecessor, the landlord, and the talented god.
I respectfully bow to the Gods who govern this area.
Believers (us) are:.. Resident at:..
Today is the day...... month...... year.... (Full moon of the twelfth lunar month of the Year of the Snake), my trusted son sincerely prepares incense, flowers, offerings, kim ngân tea and fruit, burns a fragrant incense stick and offers it before the altar.
We sincerely respectfully invite: Mr. Kim Nien, currently cai Thai Tue chi duc Ton than, Mr. Ban canh Thanh hoang Chu vi Dai Vuong, Mr. Dong tru Tu menh Tao phu Than quan, Mr. Ban gia Tho dia, Long Mach Ton than, Mr. Ngu Phuong, Ngu Tho, Phuc duc chinh than, the gods ruling in this area.
I humbly ask you to hear the invitation to pity and sympathize with the believer to descend before the court, witness your sincerity, enjoy offerings, and bless us, believers, so that our whole family can have peace and smooth affairs. Everyone is safe, fortune increases, morality is expanded, prayers are answered, wishes are fulfilled.
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!
