(CLO) The full moon of January, or Tet Nguyen Tieu, is one of the most important holidays in the spiritual culture of Vietnamese people. However, many people wonder whether the full moon worshiping in January should be done a few days in advance if the homeowner does not have the conditions to worship on the exact day of Nguyen Tieu?
Should we worship before the full moon of January?
According to historical documents and folk beliefs, the full moon worship ceremony in January is usually held at noon, that is, from 11am to 1pm on the 15th day of the first lunar month. However, in modern society, the time and method of performing have also been flexibly changed to better suit people's busy lives.
The full moon of January in the year of At Ty 2025 falls on Wednesday, February 12 of the Gregorian calendar. Since this is a mid-week day, many families have difficulty arranging a time to perform a thoughtful ceremony. In this case, the homeowner can perform the full moon ceremony a few days in advance, on January 13 or 14. Some families even prepare the ceremony from January 11 or 12. Do not perform the ceremony too early because it will lose the meaning of the holiday.
Should we make offerings a few days before the full moon of January? Photo: nguoilaodong
The most important thing is the sincerity, meaning and attitude that the worshiper has for the ritual. Flexibility in the date and time of the worship helps many families prepare a solemn and complete ceremony without too much time pressure.
In the book Learning about Eastern culture in 365 days (Thanh Hoa Publishing House), author Thien Nhan provides detailed information about some good time frames on the days to worship the full moon of January 2025.
January 15th of the Lunar calendar (Full moon of January) - good hours to perform the ceremony are: Mao hour (5am-7am), Ngo hour (11am-1pm), Than hour (3pm-5pm), Dau hour (5pm-7pm).
January 14th Lunar Calendar - Good hours to perform the ceremony are: Dragon hour (7am-9am), Horse hour (11am-1pm), Goat hour (1pm-3pm), Dog hour (7pm-9pm).
January 13th Lunar Calendar - Good hours to perform the ceremony are: Mao hour (5am-7am), Ngo hour (11am-1pm), Than hour (3pm-5pm), Dau hour (5pm-7pm).
Taboos when worshiping on the full moon day of JanuaryIn order for the full moon day of January worship to take place completely and in accordance with tradition, the following taboos should be noted.
Do not use fake meat vegetarian food
The offerings for the full moon of January can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian, depending on the beliefs of each family. However, if you make a vegetarian offering, you should not prepare vegetarian dishes that imitate non-vegetarian dishes because it can lose its necessary pure meaning.
Instead, prepare simple, light vegetarian dishes such as sticky rice, sweet soups, fruits, rice and soup dishes, stir-fried vegetables, bean and mushroom dishes...
Absolutely do not use fake offerings.
Flowers and fruits are indispensable offerings on the altar on the 15th day of the first lunar month. However, be careful not to use artificial flowers or fake fruits. These items have no vitality and can reduce the sacredness of the offering tray. Instead, choose fresh flowers and seasonal fruits, which are not only beautiful but also carry the meaning of wishing for luck and fortune.
Limit burning a lot of votive paper
Burning votive paper is part of the full moon worship ritual in January, but it should not be overused. Burning too much votive paper is not only wasteful but also has a negative impact on the environment. Instead of focusing on quantity, focus on the sincerity and solemnity when performing the ritual.
Nowadays, many households in Vietnam have abandoned the custom of burning votive paper.
PV
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ram-thang-gieng-co-nen-cung-truoc-mot-vai-ngay-post333548.html
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