How to Perform Traditional Vietnamese Ancestor Veneration

Ancestor veneration is a significant aspect of Vietnamese culture, reflecting deep respect for family heritage and spiritual connections. The practice involves offering food, incense, and prayers to deceased family members, seeking their blessings and guidance. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to properly conduct a traditional Vietnamese ancestor veneration ritual.

Step 1: Setting Up the Ancestral Altar

The ancestral altar (bàn thờ gia tiên) is the central place for veneration and should be arranged with care and respect. It is typically placed in a prominent location in the home, such as the living room or a dedicated ancestral worship room.

Items Needed for the Altar:

1. Ancestral Tablets or Photos – Display framed pictures of deceased relatives or wooden tablets with their names.

2. Incense Burner (Lư Hương) – A container filled with sand or ash for holding incense sticks.

3. Candles or Oil Lamps – Placed on the altar to provide light, symbolizing guidance for ancestors.

4. Offerings Table – A small table in front of the altar for placing food, drinks, and other offerings.

5. Fresh Flowers and Fruits – Flowers like chrysanthemums and fruits such as bananas, apples, or oranges are commonly used.

6. Traditional Offerings – Cooked rice, boiled chicken, sticky rice (xôi), and other favorite dishes of the ancestors.

7. Tea, Wine, or Water – Small cups of tea, rice wine, or clean water for the spirits.

8. Paper Money and Gold Joss Paper – Symbolic money burned as an offering to ancestors in the afterlife.

Step 2: Preparing the Ritual

Ancestor veneration is often performed on special occasions such as:

• Death anniversaries (ngày giỗ)

• Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán)

• Full moon and new moon days (rằm and mùng một)

Before starting, clean the altar and prepare the offerings. If the ritual is part of a special occasion like Tết or a death anniversary, a larger feast may be prepared.

Step 3: Conducting the Ritual

1. Lighting the Candles and Incense

• Light the candles or oil lamps first.

• Light three or five incense sticks, holding them at chest level with both hands.

• Bow three times while silently calling upon the ancestors to receive the offerings.

2. Offering Food and Drinks

• Place the prepared food, tea, or wine on the offering table.

• Pour a small amount of wine or tea onto the ground or a designated bowl as a symbolic gesture of sharing with the spirits.

3. Reciting Prayers and Invoking the Ancestors

• A family elder or representative usually leads the prayer.

• Express gratitude, report family matters, and ask for blessings.

• Some families recite a written ancestral prayer or a personal message of respect.

4. Burning Joss Paper and Symbolic Money

• After the incense has burned halfway, burn gold joss paper and symbolic money in a fireproof container.

• This act symbolizes sending wealth and offerings to ancestors in the spiritual world.

Step 4: Concluding the Ritual

1. Waiting for the Ancestors to “Receive” the Offerings

• Let the incense burn completely, typically taking 15–30 minutes.

• During this time, family members may remain silent or talk quietly about good memories of the deceased.

2. Retrieving the Offerings

• After the incense finishes burning, it is believed the ancestors have received the essence of the food.

• Family members can now eat the offerings in a meal together, reinforcing family unity.

3. Cleaning Up the Altar

• Remove used incense ashes and clean the altar.

• Some food offerings, like fruits, may be left on the altar for a few more days as a sign of continued respect.

Vietnamese ancestor veneration is a sacred and meaningful tradition that strengthens family bonds and honors the deceased. By setting up an altar, preparing offerings, and conducting the ritual with sincerity, families show gratitude and seek the blessings of their ancestors. This practice continues to be an integral part of Vietnamese culture, connecting generations and preserving family heritage.