## Three Dishes to Avoid When Offering Ancestral Worship on the 15th Day of the Seventh Lunar Month
**Duck Meat**
On the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, people abstain from eating meat, and duck meat, although a common offering, is considered inauspicious. It is believed that consuming duck on this day brings bad luck and arguments. In Feng Shui, duck meat is also associated with separation and discord, hence its avoidance in ancestral worship.
**Dog Meat**
Similar to duck, dog meat is considered unlucky and inauspicious. It is often avoided at the beginning of the month, year, and in ancestral worship due to its association with bad luck. By abstaining from dog meat, people believe their endeavors will go smoothly.
**Squid**
According to traditional beliefs, squid is considered an unlucky food, often associated with the phrase “as black as squid.” As a result, this seafood dish is not used in ancestral worship or offerings to deities. People fear that squid dishes will bring bad luck, obstacles in work, financial losses, and arguments.
## Recommended Offerings for the 15th Day of the Seventh Lunar Month
**Offering to the Buddha:** This usually includes vegetarian food, fruits, and a prayer ceremony to accumulate merit and redeem the karma of the deceased ancestors.
**Offering to Deities:** Offerings typically include steamed glutinous rice cakes (*xoi*), boiled whole chicken, *banh chung* (a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake), tea, alcohol, fruits, and fresh flowers, along with prayers for the deities’ protection and blessings of good health and peace for the family.
**Offering to Ancestors (*Cúng gia tiên*):** This is usually a solemn ceremony during the *Vu Lan* festival, offering either vegetarian or non-vegetarian food, along with ceremonial paper money.
The purpose of the *Cúng gia tiên* ceremony is to show respect to the ancestors and wish for their prosperous and comfortable afterlife.
**Offering to Hungry Ghosts (*Cúng chúng sinh*):** As the 15th day of the seventh lunar month coincides with *Vu Lan*, it is customary to offer food to hungry ghosts who have no living relatives to make offerings for them.
*Disclaimer: This information is for reference only.*
The Tasty Duck Meat: Avoid These Four Food Combinations to Stay Healthy
Duck meat is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a plethora of health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. It is a versatile ingredient used in myriad delectable dishes. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure you reap the benefits without any adverse effects on your health.
The Ultimate Duck Dish: A Mouthwatering Delight That Eliminates Odor and Tenderizes Meat
With this simple duck boiling recipe, you’ll be able to create a mouth-watering dish that’s not only delicious but also free from any unpleasant odors. This recipe is a surefire way to enjoy duck without any of the usual drawbacks, ensuring a pleasant dining experience that will leave you wanting more.