Pagoda ceremony at beginning of year - cultural beauty of Vietnamese people

Illustrative photo

The pagoda ceremony at the beginning of the year has become a beautiful custom among Vietnamese people for many generations. Every year, in the early days of spring, people offer incense, fruits, and pray for a happy life, a prosperous and lucky new year.

After the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve, the transition moment from the old year and the new year, many families go to pagodas to offer incense at the beginning of the new year to pray for peace and fortune. At this time, the quiet, frugal scene of the pagodas and communal courtyards suddenly became crowded, and the pagodas were glowing with lights and candles.

Worshiping at a pagoda at the beginning of the year is a long-standing cultural, religious and spiritual activity of Vietnamese people, helping people to be more kind, tolerant, and generous as well as feel like they are protected.

Vietnamese people believe that going to the pagoda is not simply to make a wish; it is also a moment for people to enjoy themselves in spirit and leave behind the hard work in life. 

Vietnamese people also visit pagodas to request New Year's calligraphy works or “câu đối” (calligraphic couplets), to take home and hang in the most solemn place as well as to enjoy the pagodas’ beauty and serene atmosphere.

Life is increasingly modern and civilized, but the cultural beauty of going to pagodas at the beginning of the year has always been preserved by people for many generations. The good teachings of Buddhism have blended into the spiritual life and beliefs of Vietnamese people. This is a unique cultural feature, expressing the desire for a happy and peaceful life, and is an indispensable meaningful work to guide people towards the values of truth, goodness and beauty.