Vietnamese people have for years treasured the tradition of visiting cemeteries in early spring to pay tribute to their deceased loved ones in a so-called grave visiting festival.
Although it is not a major holiday of the year, it still bears the cultural beauty of Vietnamese people.
This festival demonstrates the age-old tradition of “when drinking water, remember the source” and the respect for the ancestors of Vietnamese people.
During the festival, Vietnamese people no matter where they work and live pay homage to their native town to show their respect for their ancestors in cemeteries.
This year, the festival begins on April 4 and lasts through to April 20. However, Vietnamese people often choose days off work, normally on weekends, to visit the graves.
On these days, people often tidy up the grave, by cleaning the grave, cutting the grass or planting new trees.
They then place offerings and burn incense in commemorate of the dead.
Offerings may include different types of fruit, a bowl of sticky rice, a boiled chicken or a piece of boiled pork, candies, votive papers and flowers.
People pray for blessings and they believe their dead loved ones hear their prayers.
After the ritual, they burn votive papers hoping the dead would enjoy a good life in their world and bless the living.
In today’s modern society, it is necessary to teach family traditions, national traditions and cultural beauty to young people. By doing so, good values will not be lost and will last forever.
Vietnamnet.vn
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