Have you seen this kind of video on YouTube? In Vietnam, shops or roadside stalls set up tables filled with lavish offerings and fruits, even stacked with what looks like real cash. Originally solemn and serious, as soon as the incense finishes burning and the ceremony ends, the quiet roadside suddenly resembles a scene from the zombie movie "Train to Busan," with a crowd rushing in to grab the food and money from the table!
This is definitely not a riot or a robbery; it is the most authentic and shocking spectacle of the "Vu Lan Festival (Lễ Vu Lan) offering and food grabbing" in Vietnam every year during the lunar seventh month.
[Analysis: What kind of divine custom is this? Why is it done "by grabbing"?]
This seemingly chaotic "food grabbing battle" is called Cướp cô hồn (grabbing the wandering souls) in Vietnamese.
Why is it done by grabbing? The reason behind it is filled with warmth and blessings.
- Offering to the good brothers: Vietnamese people are deeply influenced by Buddhism and folk beliefs, firmly believing that during the lunar seventh month (Ghost Month), the gates of hell open wide, and the good brothers wander around. To ensure that these wandering souls can also enjoy a meal, every household and business sets up tables for offerings on the porch or at the shop entrance.
- Sharing blessings (catching good fortune): Here comes the main event! After the offerings are made, if they are distributed to the poor or allowed to be grabbed, it symbolizes "spreading blessings and good luck" in local customs. Therefore, onlookers, children, motorcyclists, or low-income workers who have been watching for a long time will be ready. Once the signal for "ceremony completion" is given, everyone will rush in without hesitation; the more items they grab, the more blessings they receive.
- Is there really money to grab? Yes! Some generous bosses or shop owners, in order to pray for prosperous business, not only place snacks and fruits but also actually put small denominations of Vietnamese dong banknotes on the offering table for worship. As soon as the ceremony ends, those banknotes instantly fly in the air, often creating a scene more intense than a department store anniversary sale.
[Contrast: The other side of the Vu Lan Festival—Warm "Filial Piety Month" and White Roses]
Although the scene of grabbing food on the streets looks crazy and fun, even a bit like a "riot," do not misunderstand that Vietnamese people only feel fear during the lunar seventh month.
In fact, the core meaning of the Vu Lan Festival in Vietnam is "Filial Piety Month (Tháng Báo Hiếu)."
During this period, Vietnamese people go to temples to participate in ceremonies to pray for their parents. At this time, you will see a very touching tradition: wearing a rose on the chest.
- 🌸 Those whose mothers are alive wear a red rose, symbolizing joy and vitality.
- 🌸 Those whose mothers have passed away wear a white rose, symbolizing mourning and purity.
Many Vietnamese people even choose to be vegetarian and do good deeds on this day, dedicating their merits to their parents, expressing gratitude for their upbringing.
This strong contrast of "one side being the lively and crazy roadside food grabbing, showcasing passion for life; the other side being the solemn and touching filial piety at temples, showcasing longing for loved ones" is what makes deep travel in Vietnam so fascinating.
[💡 Editor's Reminder and Call to Action]
Finally, I want to give a sincere [editor's reminder] to readers preparing to travel to Vietnam before the end of August:
If you happen to encounter this kind of offering and food grabbing ceremony on the street, do not rush in to grab just because it looks fun! The pushing and shoving at the scene can be very intense, and with the crowd getting overly excited, foreign tourists can easily get injured or lose valuable items. It is recommended to keep a safe distance and stand aside to record this shocking "world wonder" with your phone.
🔥 VietGo Seamless Flow:
The streets of Vietnam during the lunar seventh month are filled with various unexpected cultural shocks and interesting scenes. Instead of blindly rushing in and not understanding local customs, risking breaking taboos, it is better to book VietGo's exclusive local Chinese-speaking guide!
Let the guide lead you to avoid unnecessary risks, delve into the streets and alleys, not only translating for you and helping you taste the most authentic snacks but also explaining the cultural background behind the most shocking Vu Lan Festival food grabbing spectacle.
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