The 15th day of the 7th lunar month is an important holiday in Vietnamese culture, both to commemorate ancestors, pay tribute to their parents, and to worship the departed souls without shelter. On this occasion, families often prepare the offering tray carefully and solemnly.
According to Venerable Thich An Dat - Member of the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the full moon day and the first day of the lunar month are called the day of the Lunar New Year in Buddhism. Usually, during these days, Vietnamese people often remember their ancestors, those who passed away, and buy items to offer.
The offering tray for indoor and outdoor worship on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month has two different meanings. The offering tray in the house is a offering to the ancestors, who are deeply gratitude to me.
Meanwhile, the outdoor offering tray is to turn to those who are face down, souls have nowhere to rest, to pray for them to overcome and bless their homeowners to peace. That is also why indoor and outdoor offering tray also has many differences.
"Depending on the circumstances of each family and region, the offering tray on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month will have different changes. In particular, if the homeowner is a Buddha- convert, he often uses vegetarian items," Venerable Thich An Dat shared.
Here are some suggestions for indoor and outdoor worship trays on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month according to folk customs:
The offering tray for worshiping idols and ancestors (Worship at home):
- Fragrance, lamps, Candles
- Flowers, fruits
- Alcohol, water
- Salted trays ( sticky rice, chicken, stir-fried dishes, soup, spring rolls, pigs, sticky rice, sweet soup...) or vegetarian trays (sticky rice, vegetarian stir-fried dishes...)
- Gold (can include clothes, clothes, paper shoes...)
Parasite offering tray (outside):
- Banh Da, Bar Dot, Thua
- Candy
- Water, salt, rice
- Flower porridge
- Fruits
- Gold bars, paper money, pests
- Huong, candle
- Boiled potatoes, boiled eggs...
On the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, families perform the worship of Buddha, gods and ancestors in their homes first, and the worship of animals and animals for heaven last. The animal worship ceremony must be done outside the yard, alley, in front of the house, not indoors and should be done before 12 noon.
In addition, homeowners need to note that the 15th day of the 7th lunar month has many hardship days. Therefore, offerings such as clothes and gold coats for the ancestors should clearly state the recipient.
