The practice of tomb-sweeping is a beautiful cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people, passed down through generations. Today, we will provide comprehensive information about this traditional practice for your reference.
1 What is Tomb-Sweeping?
What is Tomb-Sweeping?
Tomb-sweeping is the act of cleaning and maintaining the graves of one’s ancestors and deceased family members before the Lunar New Year.
2 Significance of Tomb-Sweeping in Vietnamese Culture
Significance of Tomb-Sweeping in Vietnamese Culture
This tradition reflects the respect and gratitude of the descendants towards their ancestors, parents, and the deceased. It is also a time for families to gather and reminisce about the past.
3 When is the Best Time for Tomb-Sweeping in 2024?
When is the Best Time for Tomb-Sweeping in 2024?
Families usually choose the date and time for tomb-sweeping themselves. The ceremony typically takes place after the Kitchen God returns to Heaven on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, up until the afternoon of the 30th. Therefore, tomb-sweeping in 2024 will occur from the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month to the 30th. Additionally, families can also choose to sweep tombs before the Lunar New Year, during Thanh Minh Festival in March, or on the 15th of the seventh lunar month. The Thanh Minh Festival is considered the most auspicious time for tomb-sweeping.
Reference: What is Thanh Minh Festival? When is the festival in 2024?
4 Offerings and Prayers for Tomb-Sweeping
What should I prepare for the tomb-sweeping ceremony?
What should I prepare for the tomb-sweeping ceremony?
Those who go tomb-sweeping should bring shovels and hoes to clean and maintain the gravesite. Additionally, prepare the following offerings:
- 10 red fresh flowers
- 3 betel leaves and 3 areca nuts
- 1/2 liter of alcohol, 5 cups, and 10 cans of soft drinks
- 2 packs of cigarettes and 2 packs of betel nuts
- 2 red cup-shaped candles
- 5 horses of different colors, each with 10 gold offerings, including coins, hell money, and gold leaf
- 5 sets of clothes
- 4 plates for gold offerings
Reference: What to prepare for the Thanh Minh Festival 2024 outside the tomb and at home.
5 Things to Keep in Mind When Tomb-Sweeping
Things to Keep in Mind When Tomb-Sweeping
- Conduct tomb-sweeping in the morning.
- Maintain a solemn attitude and refrain from joking or playing during the ceremony. Dress respectfully to show reverence for the deceased.
- Before cleaning, the head of the family or the eldest member should light incense and candles and recite the tomb-sweeping prayer. While waiting for the incense to burn out, family members can clean the gravesite. When the incense is two-thirds burned, the head of the family should offer the gold and paper offerings and invite the deceased to receive the offerings.
- When offering the gold and paper offerings, mention the name of the deceased to ensure they receive the offerings.
- Take a bath and change into clean clothes after returning from tomb-sweeping.
Reference: 10 taboos to keep in mind when visiting the cemetery during the Thanh Minh Festival
The above information about the tomb-sweeping ceremony is what we would like to share with you. We hope you find it useful. Get ready for the upcoming tomb-sweeping ceremony and feel free to refer to our website for more information!