CULTURAL BEAUTY
From early morning on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the grounds of Vinh Trang Pagoda (My Phong Ward) were bustling with people.
Families in groups, including the elderly, young people, and children, carrying offerings and holding incense and flowers, respectfully entered the main hall.
The scent of incense permeates the tranquil space, creating a sense of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
Ms. Le Thi Kim Ngoc (residing in My Tho ward), who visits the pagoda every year on the full moon of the first lunar month, shared: "Every year, my family goes to the pagoda on the full moon of the first lunar month. Going to the pagoda at the beginning of the year makes me feel peaceful and reminds my children and grandchildren to live harmoniously and conduct their business honestly."
Not only the elderly, but many young people also maintain the habit of visiting temples on the full moon day of the first lunar month. Tran Minh Quan, a student at Tien Giang Medical College, said: “I have often gone to temples with my parents since I was little, so it has become a habit. Going to the temple on this occasion is not only to pray for good luck, peace, and smooth progress in studies and work. I think this is a beautiful tradition that needs to be preserved.”
According to historical records, the Lantern Festival originated during the Han Dynasty in China, around the 2nd century BC. At that time, the emperor organized rituals to worship heaven to pray for national peace and prosperity, and to thank heaven and earth for bestowing blessings upon the people.
Beyond its religious significance, this holiday is also associated with the legend of Thien Quan – a deity who bestows blessings and is believed to descend to earth on the full moon of the first lunar month. Therefore, people hold ceremonies and hang lanterns to pray for good fortune and peace.
Upon its introduction to Vietnam, the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month quickly became one of the most important holidays of the year, especially in Buddhism. On this day, families often go to temples to worship Buddha, chant scriptures, and pray for peace and a prosperous new year.
In Dong Thap , besides visiting temples, many families also maintain offerings at home with cakes, fruits, sticky rice, sweet soup, and fresh flowers.
Some places organized chanting of prayers for peace and releasing floating lanterns, creating a solemn yet intimate atmosphere. Mr. Le Van Tung (My Phong ward) shared: "I'm a farmer, dependent on the weather all year round."
"Going to the temple on the full moon of the first lunar month to pray for peace is also a way of expressing faith, hoping for favorable weather, and I think that the important thing is to be diligent and hardworking in order to achieve good results."
PRESERVING VALUES IN THE RHYTHM OF MODERN LIFE
People go to temples not only to pray for good fortune, but also to find peace of mind, reminding themselves to live virtuously, to love and share.
Many people, after offering incense, have contributed to charitable activities and supported funds to help the poor.
It is through these small actions that the humanistic values of the Lantern Festival in the first lunar month are widely spread throughout the community.
The atmosphere of the Lunar New Year's Full Moon Festival therefore extends beyond incense burning and rituals, spreading a spirit of sharing.
Among the crowds of pilgrims, there were handshakes, New Year's greetings, friendly smiles… all blending together to create a warm springtime scene.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life, many traditional values are at risk of disappearing.
However, the images of people respectfully attending religious ceremonies and families gathering around altars to worship their ancestors on the full moon night of the first lunar month demonstrate the enduring vitality of the national culture.
After the Lunar New Year holidays, many families choose this day to go to the temple together, and then gather for a warm and cozy vegetarian meal.
In the park area in front of Vinh Trang Pagoda, many families took the opportunity to take souvenir photos. The lively sounds of laughter and conversation mingled with the ringing of the pagoda bells, creating a vibrant yet traditional scene.
Mr. Le Hoang Nam (Dao Thanh ward) said: “I take my wife and children to the temple so that they can learn more about the customs of our homeland. In this modern life, if we don't maintain occasions like this, I'm afraid that our children will gradually drift away from traditional values.”
Besides preserving traditional beauty, local authorities also prioritize maintaining a civilized image in these spiritual places. Local authorities coordinate with temples to ensure security and order, manage traffic flow, and prevent congestion during peak days.
The problem of street vendors encroaching on walkways and aggressively soliciting customers has also been addressed. Many temples have arranged parking areas and parking attendants for visitors; at the same time, they have assigned Buddhist followers and young people to serve and guide visitors during their visits and worship at the temples in a thoughtful and enthusiastic manner.
The full moon of the first lunar month will pass, but the cultural values that this festival brings will remain forever.
Amidst the fast-paced and ever-changing modern life, preserving the tradition of visiting temples at the beginning of the year is a way for each person to reconnect with their roots, uphold the principle of "drinking water and remembering the source," and enrich the spiritual life of the community.
SONG AN
Source: https://baodongthap.vn/net-dep-van-hoa-cua-nguoi-viet-a237562.html
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