What does a full offering tray for the 15th day of the 7th lunar month include?

On the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, many families wonder how to prepare the offerings and when to make the offerings to fully convey the meaning.

In Vietnamese folk beliefs, the full moon of the seventh lunar month is one of the most important full moon days. This is an occasion for descendants to express their filial piety to their parents and ancestors with the Vu Lan tradition of filial piety and to show their love for all living beings through offerings to the wandering souls, almsgiving to homeless souls or praying for peace and salvation to help the souls to be liberated.

In the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, the full moon offering tray in the seventh lunar month not only has the meaning of remembrance but also shows the spirit of sharing and kindness.

What does the offering tray for the 15th day of the 7th lunar month include?

Normally, a complete full moon offering ceremony in July will have three trays: a tray for Buddha, a tray for ancestors, and a tray for wandering souls (living beings). However, depending on conditions and beliefs, each family can adjust and simplify, as long as it shows respect.

Buddhist offerings

For Buddhist families, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is a big holiday, so preparing a Buddha worshiping tray is indispensable. The offering tray is usually vegetarian, it can include a vegetarian meal or simply a plate of five fruits. The most important thing is the sincerity of the homeowner.

The Buddha worship ceremony is usually held during the day, in a peaceful space. After the worship, everyone enjoys the blessings. Many families also prepare an additional offering tray to the God of Wealth on this day, praying for wealth and peace.

Offering tray of flowers and fruits to worship Buddha. (Photo: Linh Phan)

Ancestral offering tray

The full moon of the seventh lunar month is considered the most important part of the ceremony, expressing remembrance and gratitude to grandparents and ancestors. The basic offerings usually include:

• Betel and areca nut: Symbol of filial piety.
• Incense, lamps, candles: Indispensable items on the altar.
• Fresh flowers: Usually daisies, lilies or roses.
• Fruits: Bananas, oranges, grapes, tangerines… are displayed fresh and delicious.
• Wine, water
• Sticky rice and rice such as sticky rice with gac fruit, sticky rice with mung beans or white rice.
• Savory dishes: Boiled chicken, pork, fish…
• Vegetarian dishes: Tofu, vegetables, salads...

Depending on the conditions, the family chooses to make a vegetarian or non-vegetarian offering tray to worship the ancestors. The important thing is that the dishes must be prepared meticulously and arranged solemnly to show respect.

Pure vegetarian offering tray for the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. (Photo: Linh Phan)

Offering tray for wandering souls

This offering tray is usually displayed outdoors, to give alms to the souls who are not worshiped by anyone. The offerings are often rich, displayed on trays, trays or trays, including:

• Thin white porridge, usually divided into 12 small bowls, some families put it in a large bowl and have many spoons.
• Rice balls and salt are sprinkled in all four directions after the offering is finished.
• Fruit, candy, popcorn, roasted corn.
• Sugar, sticky rice, colorful fruits.
• Colorful paper clothes (blue, pink, yellow, green…).
• Clean water, usually 3 small glasses.
• 3 incense sticks, 2 candles.

Offerings are often divided into small portions so that many spirits can have a share. This is also a beautiful humane feature in folk beliefs, expressing the spirit of compassion and charity.

Simple offering tray for wandering souls placed outdoors. (Photo: Linh Phan)

What day and time is the Full Moon Festival in July 2025?

According to the lunar calendar, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month in 2025 falls on Saturday, September 6th of the Gregorian calendar. This is also the weekend, very convenient for families to prepare offerings and gather together.

In addition, according to the book "Learning about Eastern culture for 365 days" by author Thien Nhan ( Thanh Hoa Publishing House), some suitable zodiac days for worshiping on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month this year include:

• July 7th Lunar Calendar (Friday, August 29th Solar Calendar)
• July 8th Lunar Calendar (Saturday, August 30th Solar Calendar).
• July 12th Lunar Calendar (Wednesday, September 3rd Solar Calendar).
• July 14th Lunar Calendar (Friday, September 5th Solar Calendar).

The ceremony to worship Buddha and ancestors should be done during the day, when the yang energy is prosperous and the space is bright. This is the time to show the highest respect. The best recommended time is:

• Hour of the Snake (9am – 11am)
• Dragon Hour (7am – 9am)

Unlike the worshiping ceremony in the house, the worshiping ceremony for sentient beings is usually held in the evening, when the sun has completely set. The most suitable time is the hour of the Rooster (5pm - 7pm). However, some families still choose to worship at the same time as their ancestors during the day for convenience, as long as they maintain sincerity.

Each offering tray on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month has its own meaning. The offering tray to Buddha represents the tendency towards goodness and Buddha. The offering tray to ancestors is an opportunity for descendants to remember and express filial piety. The offering tray to sentient beings reminds each person of the spirit of compassion and sharing.

According to VTCNews

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/mam-cung-ram-thang-7-day-du-gom-nhung-gi-a427522.html