Vu Lan Festival, also known as the “filial piety festival,” is one of the most important spiritual and cultural celebrations in Vietnam. Deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition, Vu Lan is a time when people honor their ancestors, show gratitude to their parents, and engage in compassionate acts to promote well-being for all souls, both living and deceased. As modern life accelerates, the timeless values of this festival serve as a meaningful reminder of family bonds, respect for tradition, and the power of kindness. This article delves into the origin, significance, and various practices of Vu Lan, highlighting its enduring relevance in Vietnamese society today.
1. What is Vu Lan Festival? Origins and Meaning
Vu Lan Festival, also known as Vu Lan Bồn, is a significant cultural and religious event in Vietnam, especially for Buddhists. Celebrated annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the festival serves as an occasion for children to express gratitude and remembrance to their parents and ancestors. The origin of Vu Lan can be traced back to the Buddhist scriptures, particularly the story of Mục Kiền Liên (Maudgalyayana), who saved his mother from the suffering of the preta (hungry ghosts) realm.
According to the scriptures, Mục Kiền Liên, one of the Buddha’s foremost disciples, used his supernatural powers to find his mother after attaining Arhatship. Discovering that she had been reborn into the realm of hungry ghosts due to her karmic misdeeds, Mục Kiền Liên offered her food, but she could not consume it. Seeking help from the Buddha, he was advised to perform an offering to the Sangha (monastic community) on the full moon of the seventh month, which resulted in his mother’s liberation. From then on, this day became a time for people to remember and honor their parents, both living and deceased.
2. Significance and Timing of Vu Lan in Spiritual Life
The Vu Lan Festival usually takes place on the full moon of the seventh lunar month, which coincides with “the festival of wandering souls” in Vietnamese folklore. During this period, it is believed that spirits are temporarily released from the underworld. This is why families prepare offerings to wandering spirits and make offerings to Buddha, praying for these lost souls to find peace.
Apart from its spiritual aspects, Vu Lan is also a time for people to reflect on their filial duty, showing respect and gratitude to their parents while they are alive, and honoring their ancestors after they have passed. It’s a special time for those living far from home to reunite with family, partake in acts of kindness, and demonstrate respect and devotion to their elders.
3. Key Traditions and Activities during Vu Lan Festival
Several customs and spiritual practices are performed during the Vu Lan Festival, each imbued with deep meaning and purpose. Below are some of the most notable activities:
- Ancestor Worship: The most important aspect of Vu Lan is paying respect to ancestors. Families prepare a special meal, including traditional dishes, fruits, incense, candles, and water to offer to their ancestors, expressing gratitude and honor for the generations that came before them.
- Release of Captive Animals (Phóng Sinh): A deeply compassionate practice observed during Vu Lan is the release of animals, typically birds, fish, or turtles, back into nature. This act symbolizes kindness and mercy, as it helps liberate creatures from captivity. It also reflects the Buddhist teaching of compassion towards all sentient beings, with the hope that such acts will bring peace and blessings to one’s family.
- The Rose-Pinned Ritual (Bông Hồng Cài Áo): One of the most poignant rituals during Vu Lan is the practice of pinning a rose on one’s chest. A red rose signifies that one’s parents are still alive, while a white rose symbolizes that one’s parents have passed away. This tradition, originally from Japanese Buddhism, was brought to Vietnam and has since become an integral part of the festival. It serves as a reminder of the profound love and appreciation one should have for their parents.
- Offering to Wandering Souls: In addition to ancestor worship, some families prepare offerings for wandering souls, who have no one to remember or pray for them. These offerings typically include plain rice porridge, popcorn, candies, fruits, and water. The ritual reflects the generosity and kindness of the living towards all spirits, particularly those in need of guidance and care.
4. Humanistic Values of Vu Lan Festival
Vu Lan Festival is more than just a time of remembrance; it is also an opportunity for self-reflection and practicing moral values. It reminds individuals to cherish traditional virtues, to be good children, and to honor their parents. In the fast-paced modern world, where people often lose sight of traditional values, Vu Lan serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of filial piety and the bond between generations.
Moreover, Vu Lan Festival promotes the core Vietnamese value of “drinking water, remember its source” (Uống nước nhớ nguồn), which emphasizes gratitude and respect for one’s origins. This value plays a critical role in preserving familial ties and contributes to the stability and development of society.
5. Relevance in Modern Society
Despite the rapid modernization of society, the Vu Lan Festival continues to hold profound spiritual and cultural significance. An increasing number of young people are becoming more aware of the importance of this festival, actively participating in charitable works, offerings, and releasing captive animals. These actions are not only expressions of gratitude towards parents but also a way to spread positive moral values within the community.
Many Buddhist temples across the country host large-scale Vu Lan ceremonies, attracting a wide range of participants, including both devout Buddhists and the general public. These ceremonies are often accompanied by charitable activities, offering support to those in need, such as elderly people living alone and orphaned children, thus spreading compassion and goodwill throughout society.
6. Conclusion
The Vu Lan Festival is not only a major religious occasion in Buddhism but also a deeply ingrained cultural practice in Vietnam. With its emphasis on filial piety and humanistic values, this festival has become a cherished occasion for people to pause, reflect, and honor their loved ones. Let the Vu Lan Festival be a meaningful moment in your life, reminding you of the love, gratitude, and respect that should be shown to those who gave you life and raised you.
