The proverb “Boys born on the full moon day bring honor to their ancestors, and girls born on the first day of the first lunar month enjoy fortune from heaven” implies that a daughter born on the first day of the first lunar month will have a life of wealth and opulence, and would even have the fate to become an empress if born in ancient times.
If a boy is born on the 15th day of the lunar month, he has the potential to become an official when he grows up, and bring honor to his ancestors. This proverb expresses the hope for a bright future for future generations.
In traditional culture, the first day of the first lunar month is the first day of the new year, which is highly valued by the Vietnamese people. The 15th day of the lunar month, or the full moon day, is a day for offerings and prayers.
Where does this saying come from?
- Traditional customs
There are many customs associated with the “first day” and the “full moon day”. Vietnamese folklore holds that the first day of the new year is the day when the Tử Vi star shines down. Our ancestors believed that the Tử Vi star brings blessings to all people. Therefore, the Tử Vi star symbolizes good luck, and girls born on this day will have good fortune.
The full moon day is the day when the Văn Khúc star descends to earth. In ancient times, those who earned the title of trạng nguyên in the imperial examinations were said to be incarnations of the Văn Khúc star. Therefore, when expecting a son, people in the past hoped that he would be born on one of these days. Famous figures in ancient times such as Gia Cát Lượng and Bao Chửng were both born on the 15th day of the lunar month.
- Theory of Yin and Yang
The ancients believed that on the first day of the month, the yin energy is at its strongest, but this is when the moon is waning. On the other hand, the 15th day of the lunar month is when the yang energy is at its strongest, and this is also when the moon is full.
Men are associated with yang and women with yin, so boys born on the 15th day of the lunar month will have strong yang energy, while girls born on the first day of the Lunar New Year will have strong yin energy and a wealthy fate. This proverb also aligns with the saying: “Men fear the first day of the first lunar month, women fear the 15th day of the lunar month”.
However, according to Buddhist beliefs, everyone is born with a predetermined fate and life path, which is not entirely dependent on the time of birth.
The most important factor in raising a talented and virtuous child is the education provided by the parents. Parents should care for their children from a young age and avoid spoiling them excessively. Instead, they should create a healthy educational environment for their children: teaching them to be kind, do good deeds, be independent, considerate of others, and live with integrity, compassion, and patience.
Children are like rough diamonds that need to be polished to shine. In this way, children born on any day can develop good qualities and make a positive contribution to society.
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