Tet and traditional ancestor worship in Vietnam

Tet and traditional ancestor worship in Vietnam

(EXCERPT)

The Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) has become so familiar and sacred to
the Vietnamese people, that when Spring arrives they are all thrilled
and excited with the advent of Tet. They feel an immense nostalgia,
wishing to travel home for a family reunion, and a taste of the
particular flavours of the Vietnamese festivities. This year, the Year
of Monkey, Tet falls on January 22.

Tet is also an opportunity to welcome the spirits of ancestors back
for a family reunion with their descendants. The habit of worshipping
is closely attached to New Year’s Day, the first day of the first
lunar month.

On Tet Eve, almost every family places a tray of offerings both inside
and outside the house to offer the deity of the old year and welcome
the deity of the new year so that they can bring blessings for a good,
happy and prosperous new year to the house. Worshipping during Tet
holiday plays a very important role in Vietnamese people’s life.
Ancestor worship has a deep root in their psyche, showing respect to
their forebears.

Some days prior to Tet, Vietnamese people spend much time cleaning and
decorating their houses, especially the altar for ancestor worship.
Various offerings are available at markets prior to the festival.
Housewives are kept busy buying offerings to worship ancestors. Ms
Nguyen Thi Xuyen, 5...

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http://www.vov.org.vn/tet2004/english/vanhoa1.htm

---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com