Ancestor commemoration day, preserving our roots.

In the Southern region of Vietnam, ancestral commemoration ceremonies are considered a traditional cultural practice preserved through generations, connecting the past and the future.

One of the traditional scenes reenacting a memorial service in Southern Vietnam. Photo: PHUONG LAN

In the homes of people in the Mekong Delta, ancestral commemoration ceremonies are not only a day to remember the deceased but also a practice of the principle of remembering one's roots. Traditionally, ancestor worship is maintained until the fifth generation (five generations of ancestral spirits), after which the ancestral tablets are merged into the common ancestral lineage. This is how people in the South nurture a sense of kinship and continuity between generations.

To foster filial piety and raise awareness of heritage among the younger generation, the Provincial Relics Management Board, in coordination with the People's Committee of My Hoa Hung commune, recently organized a cultural heritage education program through a theatrical performance titled "Ancestor Worship - A Beautiful Cultural Tradition of Southern Vietnam." Participating in that program, we felt as if we were transported back in time, reliving the solemn atmosphere of the ancient houses. From the central altar, flanked by the paternal and maternal sides, to the image of the "attendants"—the family members busily preparing wine and tea amidst the warm incense smoke—the entire ceremony was recreated with profound reverence.

The offerings are not elaborate but contain profound philosophy. Just a bowl of pure white water, a plate of wine, and a cup of tea symbolize purity of heart. As the couplet says: "A sincere heart penetrates heaven and earth / Filial piety moves spirits and gods for a thousand years." Ms. Bui Thi Thuy, former Director of the An Giang Museum, shared her heartfelt thoughts: "The ancestral altar in Southern Vietnamese memorial services is arranged very orderly. The most distinctive feature is the offering of everyday family meals. This reflects closeness, sincerity, and the unique family traditions and memories of each lineage."

After the ceremony, the most heartwarming moment is when children, relatives, and neighbors gather around the meal. There, stories about grandparents and family are shared, strengthening family bonds. "The offering usually consists of familiar dishes: rice, soup, main courses, fruit, tea, and wine. What's special is that the offerings are made with the family's everyday food, showing closeness and sincerity," Mrs. Thuy added.

Over time, the commemoration of death in Southern Vietnam has shifted from a communal setting to a family-based one. Previously, neighbors and relatives participated in the preparations, creating a strong sense of community. Now, many families simplify the process, using services for convenience, but this reduces the sense of community. According to Mr. Luu Nhu Viet, a cultural speaker and former teacher at Kien Giang Vocational Technical College, today, the offerings and rituals are simplified, sometimes even becoming purely ceremonial. However, the commemoration still retains its strong emotional connection and serves as a reminder of one's roots.

This program helped students better understand the customs and traditional beauty of the nation. “The rituals of the Southern Vietnamese ancestral commemoration were meticulously recreated, and we felt like we were touching the cultural flow of our ancestors. I will be more proactive in learning about, preserving, and spreading the beautiful cultural values ​​of my homeland to friends around the world,” expressed Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc, a student in class 12A2 at My Hoa Hung Secondary and High School.

Nowadays, depending on objective circumstances, each family will organize the anniversary of their ancestors' death in a way that suits them. The most important thing is to maintain the spirit of filial piety and family unity. The form may change, but as long as descendants still remember the anniversary, still gather, and light incense to remember the gratitude owed to their ancestors, the traditional value of the anniversary of their ancestors' death remains.

PHUONG LAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ngay-gio-giu-coi-nguon-a482643.html