Performing the Insect-Expelling Ritual
According to folk beliefs, every person’s body harbors invisible “insects,” particularly in the digestive system. If left unaddressed, these can impact health. Ancients believed that on the morning of the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, these “insects” are most active, making it the ideal time to expel them.
Thus, upon waking, many families consume traditional foods like fermented glutinous rice wine, gio cakes, or seasonal fruits before eating or drinking anything else. In Northern Vietnam, this ritual begins early, serving as a folk method to cleanse the body.
For children, parents often feed them fruits, boiled eggs, or sweet rice wine in bed before morning hygiene. Adults rinse their mouths with boiled duck eggs before other meals. All these practices symbolize warding off negativity and praying for health.
Offering Ancestral Worship
Beyond insect expulsion, the Double Fifth Festival (Tết Đoan Ngọ) honors ancestors. Altars are meticulously prepared with incense, flowers, paper offerings, water, fermented glutinous rice wine, and summer fruits like lychees, plums, bananas, and watermelons.
Additionally, gio cakes and lotus seed tea are included for a complete and respectful offering. This ritual not only honors tradition but also strengthens family bonds and reverence for heritage.
Herbal Bathing for Purification
After the main rituals, ancients boiled water with herbs like perilla, patchouli, lemongrass, and coriander for bathing or steaming. This practice is believed to cleanse the body, dispel negativity, and provide comfort during the hot early summer days.
Many also wash their hair with natural herbs like soapberry, pomelo leaves, or aged coriander, seeking healthy, smooth hair. This tradition remains a popular natural wellness practice today.
7 Taboos on the Double Fifth Festival According to Folk Beliefs
Avoid Misplacing Footwear
In ancient beliefs, the Chinese character for “shoe” sounds similar to “misfortune.” Thus, leaving shoes scattered is thought to attract negative energy. Keeping footwear tidy ensures a harmonious space and peace of mind.
Prevent Losing Money
Losing money on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is seen as a sign of financial loss. When outdoors, safeguard personal belongings to avoid misplacing money.
Avoid Mirrors at Midnight
Midnight on the Double Fifth is believed to have the strongest negative energy. Looking into mirrors or taking photos then is thought to invite misfortune, affecting well-being.
Don’t Step Out of Bed Immediately After Waking
On this morning, adults avoid touching the floor right away. Instead, they rinse their mouths, eat fermented glutinous rice wine and fruits to “expel insects,” symbolizing body purification and warding off bad luck.
Avoid Dark Places
Locations like hospitals, cemeteries, or funeral homes are considered heavy with negative energy. Avoiding these places on this day is advised to protect health and spirit.
Refrain from Casual Eating Before Worship
Before the ritual, especially from the 4th day, the officiant maintains a light diet, avoiding “impure” foods. During the ceremony, dress respectfully and maintain a solemn attitude.
Don’t Buy Oddly Shaped Items
Unusual or unknown objects are believed to carry negative energy. During this time, many avoid purchasing strange decorative or Feng Shui items to maintain family harmony.
This information is for reference and reflection only!
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The Vietnamese celebrate the annual Double Fifth Festival, known as Tết Đoan Ngọ, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This unique cultural event is often associated with the belief of eliminating insects and pests. This year, when does this festival fall on the Gregorian calendar, and which day of the week does it land on?
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“For as long as anyone can remember, the elders have passed down a saying about the dread surrounding the 5th of May in the lunar calendar. This day is often associated with bad luck, and various traditional activities are performed to ward off any potential misfortune. Superstitions and taboos are taken very seriously on this particular day.”
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As one of the most traditional and ancient festivals in Vietnam, Tết Đoan Ngọ is highly anticipated. On this special day, families come together to partake in age-old customs and traditions. Join Bách Hóa Xanh as we explore and uncover the unique practices observed during this festive occasion!
