The 1st day of the 8th lunar month of 2026 falls on the 11th day of the 9th lunar month, opening the 8th lunar month - a month associated with one of the traditional holidays of interest to many Vietnamese people, which is the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Traditionally, the 1st day of the lunar month is called Soc day, which is the first day of a lunar month, meaning start, beginning.
For a long time, Soc and Vong days (the 1st and 15th of the lunar month) have had a place in the religious life of Vietnamese people and Buddhist activities. Many major festivals in the year are also associated with these two milestones, in which the 15th of August is the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Besides, August of the lunar calendar is associated with Mid-Autumn Festival, a time imbued with images of full moon, reunion atmosphere and family affection. Therefore, many people see this as a suitable time to cultivate relationships, take care of the family, spend more time with loved ones and aim for good things.
According to folk beliefs, the 1st day of August also means stepping into a new period after the 7th lunar month.
July is often associated with many beliefs and taboos in folk culture, so a part of Vietnamese people tend to wait until after this month before starting or promoting important plans.
Therefore, August 1st is considered by many people as the time to start over with previously postponed plans, arrange work and prepare for a new journey.
What to do on the 1st day of the 8th lunar month?
According to the customs of many Vietnamese families, burning incense to commemorate ancestors is one of the things that is usually performed on the 1st day of Tet.
The offering tray does not necessarily have to be elaborate, the important thing lies in sincerity and remembrance. This is also consistent with the ancestor worship tradition that is common in Vietnamese culture.
On this day, people can go to pagodas, worship Buddha, pray for peace, chant sutras, eat vegetarian food or do good deeds depending on beliefs and family customs.
Soc Day and Vong Day have long held a place in religious life, so not only Buddhists but also many people choose these days to go to pagodas, remember ancestors and aim for positive things.
Besides, many people choose the first day of the month to clean the house, arrange work, keep their words and actions positive, considering this as a good way to create a good mindset for the new month.
Especially, the full moon of August is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so this is also a suitable time for families to plan reunions, spend time with children and prepare activities to welcome the Mid-Autumn Festival.
