The 15th of the first lunar month (Nguyên Tiêu): what to offer

The 15th of the first lunar month (Nguyên Tiêu, the first full moon of the lunar year) is one of the most important days of the year. A Vietnamese saying holds that "a year of worship is not worth the 15th of the first month."

Meaning

It is a day to pray for peace and blessings for the whole year. Many visit temples, release animals and do good deeds; at home they make offerings to Buddha, the gods and the ancestors.

The offering

Usually two trays:

• To Buddha (vegetarian): fruit, sweet rice and soup, vegetarian dishes, incense.
• To ancestors (savoury or vegetarian): boiled chicken, sticky rice, soup, betel, wine, votive paper.

No need for lavishness — sincerity and a clean, solemn setting matter most.

Good timing

Best on the actual full-moon day (15th), ideally the Horse hour (11am–1pm). If busy, the 14th is fine. Check the day's auspicious hours.

Prayer

The prayer resembles the monthly full-moon one — to Buddha, the gods and ancestors, for peace and fortune. See the 1st & full-moon prayer.

Notes

• Favour vegetarian food and avoid taking life on this day.
• Release animals gently in clean water without harming the environment.

A folk and religious custom, for reference. See the perpetual calendar to pick good dates all year.