Visiting temples at the beginning of the year.

From ancient times to the present day, visiting temples on the first day of the new year has become a beautiful cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people. Going to the temple is not only to pray for good fortune for oneself and family, but also to express reverence to Buddha and ancestors.

Vietnamese people believe that going to temples at the beginning of the year is not simply about making wishes, but also a moment to immerse oneself in spirituality, leaving behind the hardships of daily life, and an opportunity to enjoy the spring scenery and sightseeing. Joining the crowds, one can see that the custom of visiting temples during Tet (Lunar New Year) has truly become an indispensable part of the people's spiritual lives. From the elderly to the young, everyone clasps their hands in prayer; some pray for good fortune and love, others for peace and health for themselves and their families. There are also those who come to the temple simply to find a moment of peace, take a few photos to capture the beautiful moments of spring, as a reminder that life is not just about worries, anxieties, and hustle and bustle, but also about many valuable things worth cherishing…

With that in mind, from the evening of the first day of the Lunar New Year until now, temples throughout the province have been bustling with people. These include local residents, tourist groups from other provinces, and even international visitors. Notably, these spiritual places are completely free of the burning of votive paper, superstitious practices, gambling, or elaborate offerings to Buddha. Instead, everyone consciously maintains order, keeps the environment clean, and preserves the flowers and greenery around the temples. They light incense sticks with sincere devotion, praying for good fortune and health for their families, and for peace and safety for everyone in the new year…

After completing the ancestral worship ceremony at home at the moment of transition between the old and new year, Ms. Huynh Thi Hong (Phu Thuy ward, Phan Thiet city) went to the temple to pray for a peaceful and lucky year. The temple doors were wide open, the bells rang out, and the fragrant smoke of incense and offerings always brought a strange sense of peace to one's soul. "At the beginning of the year, I pray for many good things to come to my family so that everyone will be safe and successful in their work and business," Ms. Hong said.

For young people, going to temples at the beginning of spring is not only about praying for good things for themselves and their families, but also an opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery and the serene atmosphere of sacred places in the spring season, to better understand the cultural traditions of the nation, and to see their responsibility in preserving those beautiful traditions.

Despite increasingly modern and civilized life, the beautiful cultural tradition of visiting temples at the beginning of the year is still preserved by the people, creating a vibrant tapestry within a progressive culture rich in national identity. This not only expresses the aspiration for a happy life but also serves as an opportunity to cultivate in the Vietnamese spirit a greater love and appreciation for their roots, guiding people towards the values of truth, goodness, and beauty.

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