Introduction
The 15th day of the 7th lunar month is a special occasion for Vietnamese people to practice two profound philosophies: Vu Lan (Filial Piety Festival) and the Day of Pardoning Wandering Souls (cúng chúng sinh). According to common customs, offerings are often divided into three separate trays: one for Buddha, one for deities and ancestors, and one for wandering souls. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on preparation, offerings, and timing. Remember, customs vary by region and family; the most important thing is a sincere heart.
Preparing the Offerings
General Items for All Trays
- Incense (clean, non-chemical).
- Fresh flowers: lotus, lily, magnolia, or peony (seasonal).
- Candles (use safe, contained candles).
- Fresh fruits: round, bright-colored fruits (apple, orange, banana, pomelo...).
- Pure water, tea, or wine (depending on the tray).
- Votive paper (optional; nowadays many families minimize or avoid it).
Tray for Buddha (Vegetarian)
- Incense, fresh flowers (lotus, lily).
- Fresh fruits (five-fruit tray).
- Pure water.
- Vegetarian dishes: sticky rice (green bean or gac), sweet soup, vegetarian sausage, boiled vegetables.
- Absolutely no meat or votive paper on the Buddha altar.
Tray for Deities and Ancestors (Vegetarian or Meat)
- Boiled chicken (often a young rooster) or a vegetarian tray, depending on family.
- Sticky rice (gac or green bean) or chung cake.
- Traditional dishes: fried spring rolls, pork roll, sausage, soup (bamboo shoot, fish maw, meatball), stir-fried dish (beef with vegetables...).
- Betel leaves, areca nuts, wine, tea.
- Fresh flowers, fruits.
- Votive paper (optional).
Tray for Wandering Souls (Vegetarian, Outdoors)
- Thin rice porridge (often 12 small bowls).
- Salt and raw rice (to scatter after the ceremony).
- Snacks: popcorn, boiled sweet potatoes, boiled corn, boiled cassava, candies, sugar.
- Water, incense, candles.
- Votive paper, small paper clothes (multicolored).
- Note: This tray must be vegetarian; avoid meat.
Arranging the Trays
Buddha Tray
- Place on the highest altar (separate Buddha altar or above the ancestor altar).
- Arrange incense, flowers, fruits, water, and vegetarian dishes neatly.
- Do not place meat or votive paper.
Deities and Ancestors Tray
- Place on the main altar in the house.
- Arrange chicken, sticky rice, dishes, betel, wine, flowers, and fruits.
- Keep votive paper separate.
Wandering Souls Tray (Outdoors)
- Choose an outdoor spot: yard, sidewalk, or intersection – never inside the house.
- Arrange porridge, salt, rice, popcorn, boiled potatoes, candies, water, incense, candles, and votive paper.
- Keep away from children and pets.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Offer to Buddha (before noon)
- Light incense, recite sutras or a prayer (summarize: seek peace, enlightenment, and transfer merit to ancestors).
Step 2: Offer to Deities and Ancestors (before noon)
- Light incense, read a prayer expressing gratitude for ancestors' merits and asking for protection.
- Wait for incense to burn out, then burn votive paper (if any).
Step 3: Offer to Wandering Souls (5–7 PM)
- Go outside, place the tray, light incense, and recite a prayer for wandering spirits.
- After incense burns out, scatter salt and rice to all directions.
- Burn votive paper.
Important Notes on Timing and Safety
- Timing: Buddha and ancestor offerings should be done in the morning or early afternoon (before 12 PM). Wandering souls offering is usually done in the late afternoon (5–7 PM) when spirits are believed to gather.
- Fire safety: When burning incense, candles, or votive paper, keep away from flammable materials, supervise the fire, use a safe container (metal drum or incinerator), and ensure it is completely extinguished before leaving. Never burn votive paper indoors.
- Regional differences: Offerings may differ between North, Central, and South Vietnam. Some families use only vegetarian food, others include meat. There is no single standard – follow your family's tradition and practical conditions.
Conclusion
Whether the offering tray is large or small, elaborate or simple, the essence of Vu Lan lies in a sincere heart, gratitude to parents and ancestors, and compassion for the less fortunate. We hope this guide helps you prepare a meaningful tray for the 15th day of the 7th lunar month.
