What to Avoid on Tết Đoan Ngọ for Continuous Luck and Peace

"Old habits die hard", as the saying goes, and it's particularly apt when it comes to the traditional customs observed on Tết Đoan Ngọ, or the Dragon Boat Festival. Superstitions and traditions run deep in Vietnamese culture, and this festival is no exception. Families take great care to follow certain practices to ensure good fortune and ward off any potential bad luck.

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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

1Avoid 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

2Keep 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

3Avoid 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

4Refrain 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

5Avoid 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

6Avoid 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

7Avoid 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.

Frequently asked questions

There are several things to avoid during this time for good fortune and harmony. Firstly, do not sweep or clean your house after noon as it is believed that doing so will sweep away your luck. Refrain from borrowing or lending money, as well as paying back debts, to ensure financial stability and avoid monetary losses. It is also considered unlucky to take a nap during the festival, as it is believed that this will bring laziness and bad luck for the rest of the year.

Yes, certain activities are best avoided. Arguing, using harsh words, or engaging in physical fights is considered extremely unlucky and may bring bad luck and disharmony. It is also advised to not go swimming or fishing during this festival, as it is believed that doing so may invite bad luck and even danger.

Eating vegetarian or vegan food is considered auspicious and brings good health and peace of mind. It is also believed that eating fruits, especially those with round shapes like watermelon or grapefruit, brings luck and prosperity. On the other hand, avoid eating meat, especially pork, as it is considered inauspicious and may bring bad luck and health issues.

It is considered unlucky to wear black or dark-colored clothing during the festival. Bright and vibrant colors are preferred as they symbolize happiness and good luck. Additionally, it is advised to not try on new clothes or get a haircut on this day, as it may bring bad luck and negatively impact your health and fortune.

Apart from the specific taboos mentioned, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and engage in charitable acts during Tet Doan Ngo. Offer food to the less fortunate and spend time with family and loved ones. Avoid negative thoughts and speech, and focus on spreading positivity and kindness. This will help ensure a peaceful and fortunate year ahead.
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