The Dragon Boat Festival, commonly known as the “Insecticidal Festival” in Vietnamese folklore, falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month annually. It is one of the most important traditional holidays for Vietnamese people. Apart from being a time to indulge in seasonal delicacies, the Dragon Boat Festival holds profound spiritual significance: exorcism, dispelling negative energies, protecting health, and bringing luck to the entire family.
Why is the Dragon Boat Festival a time for exorcism?
According to folk belief, “Đoan” means the beginning, while “Ngọ” refers to the period between 11 am and 1 pm – the time when the yang energy of the day peaks, and the weather becomes sultry and conducive to the generation of negative energies. This is also when people tend to feel exhausted due to the oppressive weather and are more susceptible to illnesses. Moreover, summer is the season when insects thrive, damaging crops and affecting health.
For these reasons, the Dragon Boat Festival has long been regarded as a summer ritual to purify the body, exorcise negative energies, and pray for peace and abundant harvests.
Popular exorcism methods during the Dragon Boat Festival
1. Consuming duck meat for cooling and subduing negative energies
Duck meat is a characteristic dish indispensable for the Dragon Boat Festival in many regions. According to traditional Chinese medicine, duck meat has cooling properties, helping to cool the body down during hot weather. Additionally, folk belief considers duck meat symbolically: the word for “duck” in Han sounds similar to “壓” (“áp”), signifying “subdue,” which helps ward off bad luck and dispel negative energies.
Moreover, it is customary for families to exchange duck eggs, wishing for blessings, peace, and good health.
2. Eating fermented sticky rice to “kill insects”
Fermented sticky rice, a familiar dish during the Dragon Boat Festival, is made by fermenting either brown sticky rice or premium sticky rice. Folk belief holds that consuming this dish early in the morning will “kill insects,” meaning it eliminates parasites in the intestines, detoxifies the body, and improves digestion. Additionally, the fermented rice wine has a warming effect, helping to balance yin and yang in the body.
3. Hanging mugwort or cactus to ward off negative energies
Another distinctive custom is hanging mugwort or cactus near the entrance of the house, especially the main door or windows, to prevent negative energies from entering. Mugwort is an herb known for its purifying abilities, helping to cleanse the air. The most effective time to hang them is three刻 (approximately 10:30 am) before noon, when yang energy is at its peak.
Some people also burn dried mugwort to fumigate their houses, creating a pleasant scent and “driving away evil spirits,” but fire safety precautions must be taken.
4. Carrying herbal pouches for fragrance and dispelling negative energies
Pouches filled with herbs such as lemon balm, avocado leaves, mugwort, white olive, lemongrass, and ginger are carried around to dispel negative energies, prevent illnesses, and promote mental tranquility. Notably, these pouches often contain realgar, a mineral with purported exorcism properties used in folk belief since ancient times.
5. Wearing red strings or lucky ropes for good luck
During the Dragon Boat Festival, adults and children often have red strings tied around their wrists or ankles as amulets to ward off negative energies and prevent misfortunes. These red strings are also hung at the entrance of homes or placed near infants’ cribs, with the belief that they bring peace and prolong life.
6. Consuming sour and colorful fruits to balance yin and yang
Sour fruits such as plums, apricots, lychees, and mangoes are popular during the Dragon Boat Festival. Folk belief holds that the sourness helps balance yin and yang, stimulates digestion, and dispels negative energies. Additionally, people prepare a plate of colorful fruits symbolizing the five elements to worship their ancestors, wishing for luck and happiness throughout the year.
7. Nail dyeing – a unique and meaningful custom
An ancient custom is to dye children’s fingernails with plant colors, believing that the bright colors will scare away evil spirits and keep them away from the children. Adults may also dye their nails as a form of exorcism and to attract good luck.
8. Tree examination – a unique folk ritual
In some rural areas, people organize a ritual called “tree examination,” symbolically threatening the trees to bear fruit. They gently hit the tree trunks while others beg for forgiveness, promising, “There will be more fruit next year.” Folk belief holds that this practice ensures a bountiful harvest and brings prosperity.
9. Taboos during the Dragon Boat Festival
- Avoid waking up late, as it is believed to attract negative energies.
- Refrain from looking into mirrors at night.
- Do not visit gloomy places like cemeteries or hospitals.
- Minimize uttering unlucky words or scolding, especially during noon.
The Dragon Boat Festival is not just about feasting but also about purifying the body, cleansing the living environment, and seeking peace and blessings. Whether simple or elaborate, the exorcism customs and rituals during this festival reflect a belief in balancing yin and yang, preventing illnesses, and preserving health. Amidst modern life, preserving and practicing these traditional customs connect us to our roots and help create a more harmonious existence.
Reference for contemplation
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