In addition to refraining from major activities, on the first day of the seventh lunar month, families often offer sincere prayers and sacrifices, wishing for peace and good fortune.
Along with abundant offerings, the host family should prepare the invocation for the first day of the seventh lunar month according to the ancient Vietnamese invocation tradition.
The following is a suggestion for the invocation for the first day of the seventh lunar month according to the Ancient Vietnamese Invocation Tradition (published by the Culture and Information Publishing House):
Invocation to the God of the Land and other deities
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
We bow to the nine skies, the ten directions of Buddha, and the ten directions of Buddha.
We respectfully bow to the Emperor of Jade, the Goddess of the Earth, and the noble gods.
We bow to the Eastern God, General of the East.
We bow to the God of the Land and the Dragon Vein of our home.
We bow to the Five Directions, the Five Earth Gods, and the Gods of Blessings and Virtues.
We bow to the God of Wealth and the Land God, who rule over the past and the future.
We bow to the noble gods who govern this realm.
We, the faithful followers, are: …
Residing at: …
Today is the … day of the … month of the … year. We, the faithful followers, sincerely offer incense, flowers, and offerings of gold, silver, tea, and fruit, along with a stick of fragrant incense, before the altar.
We sincerely invite the God of the Golden Year, the current ruler of the Thai Su Age, the Virtuous God, the God of the City and the local Great Kings, the God of the Eastern Kitchen, the God of Destiny, the God of the Land and the Dragon Vein, the Gods of the Five Directions, the Five Earth Gods, and the Gods of Blessings and Virtues, and the noble gods who govern this area.
We humbly ask that you descend upon the altar, witness our sincerity, accept our offerings, and bestow your blessings upon us. We pray for peace and prosperity for our entire family, smooth sailing in our endeavors, advancement in our careers and finances, spiritual growth, and the fulfillment of our wishes and desires.
With a sincere heart, we ask for your protection and guidance and bear witness to our invocation.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
Invocation to the Family Ancestors
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
We bow to the nine skies, the ten directions of Buddha, and the ten directions of Buddha.
We respectfully bow to the Emperor of Jade, the Goddess of the Earth, and the noble gods.
We bow to the God of the Eastern Kitchen, the God of Destiny, the Five Directions, the Five Earth Gods, and the Gods of Blessings and Virtues.
We bow to the noble gods who govern this realm.
To our ancestors: the High Ancestors, the High Ancestresses
Uncles, brothers, and other relatives of the inner and outer families.
Today is the … day of the … month of the … year.
We, the faithful followers, are …
Residing at … along with our entire family.
With sincerity, we offer incense, flowers, and offerings of tea and fruit before the altar.
We sincerely invite:
The noble gods who govern this realm
The spirits of our ancestors, both inner and outer family
We humbly ask that you have compassion for us, your faithful followers, and descend upon the altar to witness our sincerity and accept our offerings.
We pray for your blessings upon us:
Peace and harmony for our entire family
Smooth sailing in all endeavors
Peace and safety for everyone
Prosperity and abundance in the eight seasons
Advancement in career and finances, and spiritual growth
Fulfillment of our wishes and desires.
With a sincere heart, we ask for your witness and blessings.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
Things to Keep in Mind During the Hungry Ghost Month
Our ancestors believed that the seventh lunar month is a time when ghosts and demons are active, bringing misfortune and bad luck.
To avoid misfortune, our folk traditions advise against certain practices during the Hungry Ghost Month.
During the seventh lunar month, it is advisable to set aside time to visit the graves of our departed family members.
It is also recommended by our ancestors to scatter rice and salt to make offerings to hungry ghosts. Typically, offerings are made to Buddha, family ancestors, and household deities. However, on the full moon of the seventh month, offerings should also be made to hungry ghosts at the doorstep or outdoors.
When making offerings to hungry ghosts, throw a handful of rice or salt from inside the house out the door. This act is like sending away the hungry ghosts and dispelling negative energy. Note that you should not throw rice or salt from the outside into the house, but rather, do the opposite.
It is also advised to refrain from killing during the Hungry Ghost Month. Therefore, vegetarian dishes are usually preferred for the full moon offerings.
Mr. Loc believes that people should not make extravagant offerings during the Hungry Ghost Month and should not burn joss paper indiscriminately.
It is also not advisable to undertake significant endeavors during this month. According to folk customs, the Hungry Ghost Month is considered inauspicious, and it is best to avoid building houses, getting married, or opening new businesses.
During the seventh lunar month, it is beneficial to engage in charitable acts, strive to save lives, and spread kindness throughout the community.
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