Introduction to the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month
The Full Moon of the First Lunar Month (15th day of the first lunar month), also known as Tet Nguyen Tieu, is the first full moon of the new year. It's a time for family gatherings, remembering ancestors, and praying for a peaceful and lucky year. You can perform the ritual on the evening of the 14th or during the 15th day of the first lunar month. This guide is based on common customs; practices may vary by region, economic conditions, and family traditions. The most important aspect is sincerity.
Preparing Offerings
Depending on your beliefs and conditions, you can choose a meat offering (for ancestors) or a vegetarian offering (for Buddha).
For the Meat Offering Tray (for Ancestors)
- Incense, fresh flowers, lamps/candles.
- Votive paper (vang ma).
- Betel and areca nuts.
- Wine or tea (usually 3 or 5 small cups).
- A tray of five fruits (mam ngu qua).
- A tray of traditional savory dishes.
For the Vegetarian Offering Tray (for Buddha)
- Incense, fresh flowers (often lotus, chrysanthemum, or lily).
- A tray of five fruits.
- Clean water or fragrant tea.
- A tray of vegetarian dishes.
Arranging the Meat Offering Tray
The traditional meat tray often follows the rule of 4 bowls and 6 plates (10 dishes total) for a complete and proper meal. Here is a suggestion:
- Four Bowls: Bamboo shoot soup, dried shrimp soup, vermicelli, and meatball soup (or other soups based on preference).
- Six Plates: Boiled rooster, pork roll (gio cha), fried spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, pickled onions, and sticky rice (xoi gac, green bean xoi...) or banh chung. Include dipping sauce.
Regional variations exist:
- Northern Region: Often includes more elaborate dishes like frozen meat (thit dong), stir-fried vermicelli, and salads.
- Central Region: Features bold flavors like braised fish, fried spring rolls, boiled meat with shrimp paste, and xoi vo.
- Southern Region: Commonly has caramelized pork (thit kho tau), shrimp and meat salad, banh tet, and bitter melon soup.
Arranging the Vegetarian Offering Tray
The vegetarian tray doesn't need to be elaborate but should be arranged solemnly and harmoniously. Suggestions include:
- Starches: Xoi gac, xoi with lotus seeds, or plain rice.
- Braised/Stir-fried Dishes: Braised tofu, braised mushrooms with pepper, stir-fried five-color vegetables.
- Soups: Vegetable soup, lotus seed soup, seaweed soup.
- Appetizers/Desserts: Vegetarian spring rolls, lotus stem salad, sweet lotus seed soup.
Step-by-Step Ritual Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Offerings
- Choose the type of tray (meat or vegetarian) based on your family's beliefs and conditions.
- Gather all necessary items.
- Cook the dishes and prepare fresh fruits and flowers.
Step 2: Arrange the Offering Tray
- Place the tray on the ancestral altar (for meat) or the Buddha altar (for vegetarian). If you have both, they should be placed separately.
- Arrange the dishes neatly. Place the fruit tray and flowers in a prominent position.
- Position incense, lamps/candles, betel, wine/tea, and votive paper appropriately.
Step 3: Light Incense and Pray
- Light the lamps/candles and incense (usually 3 or 5 sticks).
- The head of the household, dressed neatly, stands before the altar and reads a prayer. The content typically includes: stating the devotee's name, date, purpose of the ritual, inviting ancestors and deities to partake, and praying for peace and good fortune.
Step 4: Wait and Burn Votive Paper
- Wait for the incense to burn out completely before lowering the tray.
- Safety Note: Burning votive paper, incense, and candles can be a fire hazard. Burn votive paper in a safe area away from flammable materials, and supervise until the fire is completely out. Ensure incense and candles are secure and cannot fall over.
Auspicious Times (Reference)
According to folk beliefs, you can consider these time frames for offering incense:
- Dragon Hour (7:00 - 9:00): Smooth and favorable.
- Horse Hour (11:00 - 13:00): Strong yang energy.
- Goat Hour (13:00 - 15:00): Suitable for praying for wealth and peace.
General Notes
- This is a reference guide; you can adjust it flexibly based on your family's conditions and local customs.
- A lavish tray is not required. Prepare within your means, focusing on sincerity.
- If you wish to avoid killing or don't have the means, a vegetarian tray is a good option to show devotion.
