Origins and Spiritual Meaning
The 15th day of the 7th lunar month is one of the most important spiritual occasions for Vietnamese people. It encompasses two major observances: Vu Lan (Ulambana), the Buddhist filial piety festival, and the folk ritual of feeding wandering souls, commonly known as cung co hon.
Buddhist origin: The Vu Lan festival originates from the story of Mulian (Muc Kien Lien), a chief disciple of the Buddha, who used his supernatural powers to see his mother suffering in the realm of hungry ghosts due to past karma. When he offered her rice, it turned into fire. The Buddha instructed him to make offerings to the assembled monks on the 15th day of the 7th month and dedicate the merit to his mother, which freed her. This became the basis for filial remembrance.
Taoist origin: Taoist tradition holds that this day, called Trung Nguyen, is when the gates of hell open and wandering spirits are released to the human world. Hence the name "xa toi vong nhan" (absolution of the dead), a time when orphaned souls who died far from home receive offerings from the living.
The Blending of Two Traditions
Vietnamese culture skillfully merges Buddhist and Taoist practices into a single day with two layers of meaning. In the morning, families offer formal meals to Buddha and ancestors inside the home. In the afternoon or early evening, they set up offerings outside the front door for wandering spirits. This timing follows folk belief: daytime has strong yang energy suitable for venerating higher beings, while dusk, when yin energy rises, suits communication with roaming souls.
The Offering Tray and Ritual
The outdoor offering tray for wandering spirits typically includes:
- Plain rice porridge (congee without seasoning), divided into small bowls
- Raw rice and salt grains
- Votive paper, hell money, and paper clothing
- Popcorn, candies, and fresh fruits
- Water or white liquor
- Three incense sticks and two small candles
Meat is traditionally avoided in these offerings, as it is believed that hungry souls, long deprived, might develop greed and fail to be liberated. The simplicity of porridge, salt, and rice symbolizes pure, unconditional giving.
The ritual prayer typically includes invoking the Buddha, seeking permission from local earth deities, inviting all wandering souls to receive the offerings, and finally burning votive paper and seeing the spirits off. After the ceremony, offerings are not brought back inside the house.
Folk Beliefs: Compassion and Caution
Cung co hon reflects both the humane and practical sides of Vietnamese spirituality. On one hand, it is an act of compassion and charity toward unfortunate souls, a way to accumulate merit. On the other hand, it serves as spiritual protection: people believe that neglected spirits in the 7th month might cause trouble if not properly appeased.
Folk taboos during this month include not hanging clothes outside at night, avoiding late-night outings to deserted places, and not burning votive paper carelessly indoors. Modern cultural researchers view these mainly as reminders to be cautious and upright.
Contemporary Humanistic Value
Despite modernization, this ritual remains widely practiced across Vietnam. Its true value lies not in the size of the offering tray but in the heart behind it. Feeding wandering souls cultivates concrete compassion; offering to ancestors reinforces gratitude and family bonds. Rather than mere superstition, cung co hon embodies a beautiful cultural tradition where Vietnamese people express gratitude to the departed, pity for the forsaken, and aspiration toward goodness. Preserving this practice with proper understanding, without extremism, keeps the cultural soul alive in modern life.
