The Qingming Festival is a time for descendants to pay respects to their ancestors, a tradition deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. However, there are several taboos associated with this festival that many may not be aware of. Discover these taboos through our article below.
1 Refrain from Taking Photos While Visiting Tombs
Refrain from taking photos while visiting tombs
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a significant occasion in Vietnamese culture. During this time, family members gather to clean and pay respects at their ancestors’ graves. One of the most important taboos to remember during Qingming is to avoid taking photographs near the tombs. The reason lies in the somber atmosphere of the cemetery, filled with graves, which is not an appropriate setting for photography. Taking photos may also attract the attention of lingering spirits, potentially leading to bad luck.
2 Pregnant Women and Widows in the First Three Years Should Avoid Tomb Sweeping
Pregnant women and widows in the first three years should avoid tomb sweeping
Pregnant women and widows who have lost their husbands within the first three years are advised against participating in tomb-sweeping activities. For pregnant women, this sensitive period increases the risk of accidents during the visit. Moreover, cemeteries are places of concentrated yin and death energy, which can be harmful to the health of both the mother and the unborn child.
Similarly, widows who have recently lost their husbands are discouraged from visiting their husband’s or other family members’ graves during this period, as it may lead to unwanted gossip and bad luck. It could even impact their fate if they wish to remarry.
3 Avoid Laughing, Shouting, or Swearing While Visiting Tombs
Avoid laughing, shouting, or swearing while visiting tombs
Cemeteries are places of rest for numerous souls. Laughing, shouting, or swearing loudly may disturb the peace of the resting souls and draw their attention to you and your family. Imagine if they were to follow you home! It is considered taboo to engage in such behavior not only in cemeteries but also while traveling on the road.
4 Dress Modestly When Visiting Tombs
Dress modestly when visiting tombs
Tomb-sweeping is a sacred tradition for honoring one’s ancestors. According to folk beliefs, Qingming Festival is also considered Ghost Festival outside the seventh lunar month, a time when yin energy is strong and yang energy is weak. Therefore, it is recommended that descendants dress modestly and avoid revealing or brightly colored clothing when visiting tombs. Such attire may be considered disrespectful and can attract the attention of lingering spirits, bringing bad luck to the wearer for the rest of the year.
5 Do Not Sweep the Tombs of Strangers
Do not sweep the tombs of strangers
When visiting a cemetery for the first time, it is crucial to know the exact location of your family’s graves to avoid mistakenly sweeping the tombs of strangers. This act is considered a serious taboo, as it may invite the spirits of strangers to follow you, leading to reprimand from your ancestors and potential bad luck.
6 Avoid Holding Celebrations, Birthdays, or Entertainment Gatherings
Avoid holding celebrations, birthdays, or entertainment gatherings
Qingming Festival is a day when yin energy is strong and yang energy is weak. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from hosting celebrations, drinking parties, birthdays, or other festive gatherings. Such events may attract wandering spirits, negatively impacting your fate and that of your guests.
7 Avoid Covering Your Forehead with Hair or Buying Shoes During Qingming
Avoid covering your forehead with hair or buying shoes during Qingming
Lastly, it is considered taboo to let your hair cover your forehead during Qingming Festival. The forehead is believed to be the window through which divine beings observe us, and it is also the gateway to one’s fate. Covering the forehead with hair during this festival is akin to shutting the door on divine protection, inviting misfortune and negative influences. Additionally, buying shoes during this period is discouraged due to the homophonic nature of the words “shoe” and “evil” in Vietnamese.
On the Qingming Festival, it is essential to prepare offerings and perform rituals at home and at the graves of ancestors.
For reference: 3 to bring good luck all year round
The taboos mentioned above are important to keep in mind during the Qingming Festival to avoid any negative impact on one’s fate. We hope this article has provided you with interesting and useful information.
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