Tet Trung Nguyen, Wandering Souls Day, the Vietnamese version of the Hungry Ghost Festival is called is also called xa toi vong nhan, which means "forgive the lost souls". This is one of Vietnam's most popular festivals, and the second largest of the year.
The Vietnamese believe that after a person dies, his soul is put on trial. If he is found to have led an evil life, his soul goes to the underworld. But on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, these spirits are granted time off to wander through the upper world. They visit their former homes and relatives in search of food, or if they don't have any family, they just roam and hope.
On this day, families make offerings and pray to Lord Buddha in the hope of clearing any false charges which have resulted in an undeserved punishment among the dead, and for the peaceful repose of their souls. The offerings are placed in temples and household altars, and among the roots of banyan trees, which are revered in Vietnam.
Grand buffet tables are spread in the open air, laden with meats, rice, desserts and other delicacies. These feasts are meant not only for their own relatives, but for any wandering soul who happens by. Votive papers and incense are burned as a purification of the dead souls. Whatever food is leftover is given to the poor.
The Vietnamese believe that after a person dies, his soul is put on trial. If he is found to have led an evil life, his soul goes to the underworld. But on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, these spirits are granted time off to wander through the upper world. They visit their former homes and relatives in search of food, or if they don't have any family, they just roam and hope.
On this day, families make offerings and pray to Lord Buddha in the hope of clearing any false charges which have resulted in an undeserved punishment among the dead, and for the peaceful repose of their souls. The offerings are placed in temples and household altars, and among the roots of banyan trees, which are revered in Vietnam.
Grand buffet tables are spread in the open air, laden with meats, rice, desserts and other delicacies. These feasts are meant not only for their own relatives, but for any wandering soul who happens by. Votive papers and incense are burned as a purification of the dead souls. Whatever food is leftover is given to the poor.
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