26/08/2025
The 7th Lunar Month in Vietnamese Culture carries profound spiritual and humanistic meanings:
🌕 The Month of Filial Piety – Vu Lan Festival
The full moon of the 7th month marks Vu Lan, one of the most important Buddhist festivals. It reminds people of filial piety and gratitude toward parents and ancestors.
During this time, many visit temples to pray for peace and longevity for their living parents, and to offer prayers for the liberation of departed souls.
👻 The Month of Wandering Souls
According to folk belief, from the 2nd to the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, “the gates of the underworld open,” allowing spirits to return to the human world.
Thus, people often perform rituals known as cúng cô hồn (offerings to wandering souls), giving food, rice, and salt so that these spirits may be nourished and refrain from disturbing the living.
For this reason, the 7th lunar month is also called the “Ghost Month,” associated with many traditional taboos.
🌿 Humanistic Significance
This month serves as a reminder to live with filial devotion, kindness, and generosity—not only toward family, but also toward lonely wandering souls.
It is also a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and cultivating compassion through acts of charity and good deeds.