Paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival

Although it is not a major holiday of the year, it still bears the cultural beauty of Vietnamese people.

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This festival demonstrates the age-old tradition of “when drinking water, remember the source” and the respect for the ancestors of Vietnamese people.

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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.

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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.

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On these days, people often tidy up the grave, by cleaning the grave, cutting the grass or planting new trees.

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They then place offerings and burn incense in commemorate of the dead.

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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.

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People pray for blessings and they believe their dead loved ones hear their prayers.

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After the ritual, they burn votive papers hoping the dead would enjoy a good life in their world and bless the living.

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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.