The Dragon Boat Festival, known as Tết Đoan Ngọ in Vietnamese, is a day to pray for a bountiful harvest free from insect pests. It is also a day for families to reunite, with descendants living away from home taking the time to visit their families.
While Tết Đoan Ngọ falls exactly on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, according to ancient beliefs, families should also observe certain taboos on this day to avoid bad luck.
Tết Đoan Ngọ
1 Avoid Dropping or Losing Money
According to ancient beliefs, losing money on this day will result in the loss of wealth and fortune. Therefore, it is important to be careful and protect one’s belongings and finances when going out.
Avoid Dropping or Losing Money
2 Keep Shoes Organized
In Chinese culture, the word for “shoes” sounds similar to the word for “evil.” Therefore, leaving shoes lying around or in disarray is believed to invite bad luck.
It is recommended to point the toes of the shoes outward. In Vietnamese culture, pointing the toes of the shoes inward is believed to invite evil spirits into the house.
Keep Shoes Organized
3 Avoid Staying in Dark and Spooky Places
Tết Đoan Ngọ is a day to improve one’s health and get rid of internal parasites. Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from dark and spooky places like hospitals and funeral homes as these places are believed to have heavy negative energy, which can attract evil spirits and cause illness.
Avoid Staying in Dark and Spooky Places
4 Refrain from Buying Souvenirs on Tết Đoan Ngọ
This belief is passed down from generation to generation, as objects are believed to contain spiritual energy. If the energy is good, it will bring luck and fortune, but if it is bad, it will bring misfortune.
Learn more about Tết Hàn Thực and what to do on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month on our website!
Refrain from Buying Souvenirs on Tết Đoan Ngọ
5 Avoid Traveling, Especially to Tombs, Tunnels, and Ancient Battlefields
On this day, it is best not to travel as it is believed to result in financial loss. Additionally, it is advisable to stay away from tombs, tunnels, and ancient battlefields as these places are believed to contain negative energy. If one must visit these places, it is best to do so after 3 pm.
Avoid Traveling to Certain Places
6 Avoid Stepping on the Ground Right After Waking Up
According to ancient beliefs, adults should not step on the ground right after waking up but should instead rinse their mouths three times, followed by consuming a cup of glutinous rice wine and fruit to “get rid of parasites.”
Avoid Stepping on the Ground After Waking Up
7 Avoid Looking in the Mirror at Midnight
The reason behind this belief is that after midnight is when the spirit world is believed to be most active. Therefore, it is considered inadvisable to look in the mirror or take photos at this time, as it may attract negative energy. Additionally, looking in the mirror at this hour is believed to be unhealthy.
Reference: How to Prepare for Tết Đoan Ngọ 2022
Avoid Looking in the Mirror at Midnight
Share these interesting and meaningful beliefs with your loved ones and friends!
We hope that this information has helped you understand more about the traditional Tết Đoan Ngọ holiday in Vietnamese culture.
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