When is the Full Moon of the 7th Month in 2024 according to the Gregorian calendar, and what day of the week is it?
The Full Moon of the seventh month (15th of July in the lunar calendar) is an important holiday in the spiritual and cultural life of many Vietnamese people.
In 2024, the seventh lunar month will span from August 4th to September 2nd in the Gregorian calendar (30th of July in the lunar calendar). The Full Moon of the seventh month falls on a Sunday, the 18th of August.
From the 2nd to the 14th of the seventh lunar month, the Gates of Hell are said to open. During this time, the hungry ghosts are released into the living world and wander aimlessly.
Is it acceptable to perform the Full Moon ceremony on the 14th day of the lunar month?
The main Full Moon day is actually the 15th. However, it is not necessary for the host family to perform the ceremony on that exact day; they can do it earlier. It is considered inauspicious to perform the ceremony after the 15th, but it is acceptable to do so on the 14th or even on the 15th. The choice of day is not strict, as long as it is done with sincerity and reverence, and the ritual is performed solemnly and properly. If the host family has a busy schedule and cannot arrange a time, they may even perform the ceremony earlier.
There are some auspicious days and time frames before the Full Moon of the seventh month during which the host family can choose to perform the ceremony.
The Full Moon of the seventh month holds cultural significance for many Vietnamese.
– The 12th of the seventh month (corresponding to the 15th of August) has some auspicious time frames, including 7 AM-9 AM and 1 PM-3 PM. This day, being a Tân Hợi day, is considered inauspicious for those born in the years of the Tị, Thân, and those with the heavenly stem Ất and a birth year ending in the number 5.
– The 13th of the seventh month, or Nhâm Tý day (corresponding to the 16th of August), has auspicious time frames of 5 AM-7 AM, 3 PM-5 PM, and 5 PM-7 PM. It is considered inauspicious for those born in the years of the Mão, Ngọ, Dậu, and those with the heavenly stem Bính and a birth year ending in the number 6.
– The 14th of the seventh month (corresponding to the 17th of August) has auspicious time frames of 5 AM-7 AM, 9 AM-11 AM, and 3 PM-5 PM. Being a Quý Sửu day, it is considered inauspicious for those born in the years of the Thìn, Mùi, Tuất, and those with the heavenly stem Đinh and a birth year ending in the number 7.
– The 15th of the seventh month, the main Full Moon day (corresponding to the 18th of August), has auspicious time frames of 7 AM-9 AM, 9 AM-11 AM, and 1 PM-3 PM. However, it is recommended that the host family complete the ceremony before noon.
Some things to keep in mind for the Full Moon ceremony:
– Sincerity in the offering
One of the most important considerations for any ceremony is sincerity. The host family does not need to prepare an extravagant offering; instead, they can base the ceremony on their family’s actual situation and local customs.
– Ceremony for the hungry ghosts
If the host family is performing a ceremony for the hungry ghosts, the offering must be placed outside, such as in the yard, by the door or gate, on the sidewalk, or at a crossroads. In folk belief, offerings for the hungry ghosts should be placed outdoors so that the hungry ghosts can easily find and enjoy the offerings without causing trouble inside the host family’s home.
Additionally, during the ceremony for the hungry ghosts, the host family does not need to read out their names, addresses, or other personal information. Doing good deeds does not require expecting gratitude or reciprocation.
This information is for reference only and is based on folk beliefs.
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