Tết Thanh Minh is a very important holiday in Vietnamese culture and is closely associated with the tradition of remembering ancestors. Today, let’s go through 10 special taboos to observe when visiting ancestral graves on this special holiday!
1 Do Not Arbitrarily Choose the Time to Visit the Grave
Visit the grave when the sky is clear and the yang energy is abundant
To protect your health and add more meaning to the holiday, families should note not to choose the early morning or twilight hours to visit the graves to avoid any negative influences of evil spirits and ghosts that may harm those who visit the cemetery.
Additionally, it is recommended to visit the graves between 10 am and 3 pm as this is when the sky is clear and the yang energy is at its peak, making the process of performing rituals easier and more comfortable.
For reference: What does the end of the year mean? How to offer the right kind of prayers?
2 Do Not Perform Rituals in Isolated Places
Avoid performing rituals in isolated places
Performing rituals in remote and isolated places can be dangerous and may expose you to negative spiritual influences, according to beliefs. Therefore, if you must go, it is advisable to visit the graves with a large group of people.
For reference:
3 Pregnant Women Should Not Visit the Graves
Pregnant women or those on their period should not visit the graves on Thanh Minh holiday
Women who are on their period or are pregnant should not visit the graves on the Tết Thanh Minh holiday as their immune system is weaker and they are more susceptible to the cold and negative energies from the graves, which may adversely affect their health and that of their unborn child.
4 Do Not Bring Distracting Thoughts or Negative Intentions to the Grave Visit
It is important to be respectful and not bring distracting thoughts or negative intentions to the grave visit
One of the most important aspects of the Tết Thanh Minh holiday is showing respect during the rituals. Therefore, in addition to clearing away weeds and adding fresh soil, flowers, or offerings to the grave, it is crucial to set aside any distracting thoughts and approach the rituals with reverence.
5 Those with Poor Health Should Be Careful When Visiting the Graves
It is recommended to step over fire after visiting the graves if your health is not good
If you are generally weak-willed or have poor health and weak aura, it is advisable to step over a fire or sprinkle pomelo leaf water on yourself after visiting the graves to get rid of any negative energies and prevent any health issues like catching a cold or fever.
6 Do Not Step on Other Graves
Do not step, stomp, or trample on other people’s graves
Family members, especially teenagers, should be mindful not to step, stomp, or trample on other people’s graves or kick the offerings on the graves as this shows a lack of respect and solemnity and may bring bad luck to your family after the grave-visiting day.
7 Do Not Take Photos at the Grave Site
Do not line up in front of the grave for a group photo, but you can take pictures of the ritual activities
One of the main purposes of this grave-visiting holiday is to express gratitude and invite ancestors to join the family gathering. Therefore, you must not line up in front of the grave for a group photo as this may displease the deceased and bring bad luck.
However, it is acceptable to take natural photos of the ritual activities without causing any negative impact on your family’s health and daily life.
8 Do Not Laugh, Shout, or Curse at the Grave Site
Do not laugh, shout, or curse at the grave site, especially when there are children present
If you bring children to the grave-visiting ceremony, it is important to maintain quietness at the grave site, refrain from eating, drinking, laughing, and shouting, which may disturb others and show disrespect to the deceased.
9 Do Not Call Each Other’s Names During the Grave Rituals
Maintain a solemn attitude when performing grave rituals
During the grave rituals, it is important to maintain a solemn attitude and refrain from calling each other’s names as this may show disrespect to the deceased and bring bad luck and misfortune to your family.
10 Pay Attention to the Surroundings of the Grave When Visiting
Pay attention to the surroundings of the grave to keep it clean
This is a very important point when visiting graves on the Tết Thanh Minh holiday as it shows respect to your ancestors. Specifically, if you notice any puddles of water near or inside the grave, clean it up as it may negatively affect the fate of future generations.
Additionally, take note of other taboos on this day: Avoid holding weddings, birthdays, housewarmings, or buying new shoes. Also, do not part your hair in front of your forehead.
On this day, people need to prepare offerings at home and at the graves to worship their ancestors.
For reference: 7 to avoid bad luck all year round
These are the 10 special taboos to observe when visiting ancestral graves on the Tết Thanh Minh holiday. We hope that with this article, you have gained valuable knowledge and can make this traditional holiday more complete and meaningful!
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