The beautiful cultural tradition of "Visiting graves in spring"

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), visiting the graves of grandparents and ancestors is always a priority for everyone. This cultural tradition, maintained during Tet, reflects the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," and shows respect for parents and deceased ancestors.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), visiting the graves of grandparents and ancestors is always a priority for everyone. This cultural tradition, maintained during Tet, reflects the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," and shows respect for parents and deceased ancestors.

According to Vietnamese tradition, when the new year arrives, everything must be prepared and renovated, including the resting places of ancestors and relatives. The day of visiting and cleaning graves, or sometimes called sweeping or dusting the graves, is very important for many Vietnamese families. Even those living far away make time to return home to visit their ancestors' graves out of gratitude, becoming a beautiful national tradition and a long-standing custom in the Vietnamese practice of "ancestor worship."

Depending on the family, the tomb sweeping ceremony usually takes place from the 20th to the 25th of the 12th lunar month, during which time descendants gather to clean the tombs of their grandparents and ancestors. However, due to work schedules, some families choose a more convenient day for tomb sweeping, mainly on Saturdays and Sundays from the 20th of the 12th lunar month onwards.

Witnessing relatives and descendants tending to and caring for the graves of the deceased, we further appreciate the profound meaning of grave cleaning, demonstrating the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," and strengthening family and lineage ties.

At cemeteries, whether war cemeteries or public cemeteries, there is a constant stream of people visiting the graves of their grandparents and parents. After the cleaning is done, people arrange fruits, flowers, tea, and cakes to offer at the graves, light incense sticks in remembrance, and then sit together to chat or recount stories of the deceased with remembrance and respect.

In particular, every year at martyrs' cemeteries, leaders at all levels, sectors, and localities also come to visit and light incense to commemorate the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the peace and independence of their homeland.

Many families and veterans came not only to visit the graves of their loved ones but also to pay respects to their comrades and fallen heroes, reminiscing about the battles fought and the sacrifices made by their families and comrades. Each person lit an incense stick and respectfully walked through the graves of the martyrs, expressing their respect and gratitude to those who sacrificed themselves for the peaceful, prosperous, and progressive life we ​​enjoy today.

Mr. Bui Long Ung (on the left) lights incense at the graves of his relatives and comrades at the Provincial Martyrs' Cemetery.

Mr. Bui Long Ung (Phuoc Hau ward) visited the Provincial Martyrs' Cemetery (Long Duc ward) to pay respects at the graves of his relatives and comrades. He and his wife lit incense at many graves in the cemetery, searching for each person's name, and reminiscing with emotion about their former comrades.

Mr. Ung shared: "My hometown is in Long Huu commune. After liberation, I moved to the provincial center to work. Every year during Tet, my wife and I return to the Provincial Martyrs' Cemetery to visit our relatives and comrades. We bring some cakes and fruits to pay our respects to those who have passed away, and I feel more at peace knowing that we honor those who sacrificed themselves."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Lan (Chau Thanh commune), visiting her mother's grave at the former Tra Vinh City People's Cemetery, expressed: "For five years, my mother has been 'away from home.' Every year around Tet (Lunar New Year), my siblings, children, and grandchildren all come to visit her grave. Besides remembering her, it's also a reminder for us to show respect and love for the deceased, demonstrating the filial piety of the Vietnamese people."

There's a Vietnamese proverb that says, "Humans have ancestors, just as trees have roots and rivers have sources." The custom of visiting ancestral graves at the end of the year is a beautiful aspect of Vietnamese culture and reflects the belief that ancestors will bless their descendants with good health, success in their work, and positive changes in the new year. It is believed that this tradition of showing gratitude to one's roots will always be preserved and promoted, so that every time Tet (Lunar New Year) comes around, everyone welcomes the new year with peace, joy, and success.

Text and photos: ANH KHOA

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/tin-moi/202602/net-dep-van-hoa-tao-mo-ngay-xuan-d6600d0/