Prayers for the 1st and 15th lunar days: family altar rituals

Vietnamese families light incense and pray on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month for peace and to honor ancestors.

Why these days

The 1st (new moon) opens the lunar month; the 15th (full moon) is a time of thanks and blessing — the two key offering days.

Simple offerings

Vegetarian or savory as you wish: incense, fresh flowers, betel, clean water, a five-fruit tray. Sincerity matters more than abundance.

Order of prayer

Dress neatly, light an odd number of incense sticks, address the deities/Land God first then ancestors, state your name and wish clearly.

Full prayer texts

Each occasion has its own text — 1st/15th, ancestors, the Kitchen Gods (23rd of the 12th month), year-end. See the full prayer collection. To find when the full moon falls or pick a good hour, use the lunar calendar and day picker.