In folk belief, the seventh month is when the King of Hell opens the gates of the underworld. It is a month when spirits roam the Earth, and many stray souls wander aimlessly. Thus, people fear this month, believing it to be a time of bad luck and difficulties in their endeavors. To appease the spirits and seek peace, families offer sincere prayers and rituals on the first day of the seventh lunar month.
Many households choose to perform vegetarian rituals during this month, believing it brings purity and prevents negative emotions. Along with preparing ample offerings, it is crucial for the head of the family to recite the correct incantations for the first day of the seventh lunar month, adhering to the traditional Vietnamese rituals.
The Seventh Lunar Month: The Month of Wandering Spirits
Incantation to the Divine Beings
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
We bow to the nine directions of the sky and the ten directions of the Buddha, oh Buddha of the ten directions.
We respectfully bow to the Emperor of Heaven and the Goddess of Earth, along with all the revered deities.
We bow to the Eastern God, the guardian of the east.
We bow to the God of the Land and the Dragon Vein, the protectors of our home and its surroundings.
With reverence, we bow to the Five Directions, the Five Soil Gods, and the Gods of Blessings and Virtues.
We bow to the Gods of Wealth and the Land, both past and present.
We pay our respects to all the deities governing this realm.
We, the faithful followers, are:
Residing at:
Today, on the … day of the … month of the … year, we, your faithful followers, humbly offer incense, flowers, fruits, and precious metals as a token of our sincerity. We invite you to descend upon this altar and witness our devotion, accepting our humble offerings.
We respectfully invite the following deities: the current year’s Tai Su God, the City God, the Kitchen God who governs our stove and food, the God of the Land and the Dragon Vein, the Five Directions and Five Soil Gods, the Gods of Blessings and Virtues, and all the deities governing this area.
We humbly ask for your blessings and protection. May you grant us peace and safety, smoothen our paths, enhance our wealth and career prospects, enlighten our spiritual pursuits, and fulfill our wishes and aspirations. We lay bare our hearts and seek your divine intervention and witness.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
Incantation for the Ancestral Altar
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
We bow to the nine directions of the sky and the ten directions of the Buddha, oh Buddha of the ten directions.
With reverence, we bow to the Emperor of Heaven and the Goddess of Earth, along with all the revered deities.
We bow to the Kitchen God, the guardian of our stove and food, and the Five Directions and Five Soil Gods, the Gods of Blessings and Virtues.
We pay our respects to all the deities governing this realm.
To our revered ancestors, the High Ancestors, and the First Ancestors.
To our uncles, brothers, and all the departed souls of our family, both close and distant relatives.
Today, on the … day of the … month of the … year…
We, your descendants, are…
Living at… along with our entire family.
With sincerity, we offer incense, flowers, fruits, and tea as a token of our respect.
We respectfully invite:
The deities governing this realm
And the souls of our ancestors
To descend upon this altar and witness our devotion, accepting our humble offerings.
We ask for your blessings and protection. May you grant us peace and harmony, smoothen our paths, and bring abundance. May everyone find solace, and may our eight life aspects flourish. May our wealth grow, and may our spiritual pursuits expand. Fulfill our wishes and aspirations, and witness our sincerity.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
Auspicious Timing for the Ritual on the First Day of the Seventh Lunar Month
The golden hours to offer incense to the deities on the first day of the seventh lunar month are:
+ Ky Mao (5 am-7 am): Ngoc Duong
+ Nham Thin (7 am-9 am): Kim Qui
+ Giap Than (3 pm-5 pm): Thanh Long
+ At Dau (5 pm-7 pm): Minh Duong
For reference and divination purposes
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