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Paying Homage to the Departed: Honoring Ancestors at Grave-Visiting Festival

For generations, the Vietnamese have held a deep reverence for the tradition of visiting cemeteries in the early days of spring. This heartfelt practice, known as the grave visiting festival, serves as a profound tribute to their cherished departed loved ones.

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20 April, 2024

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paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 2 — This festival demonstrates the age-old tradition of “when drinking water, remember the source” and the respect for the ancestors of Vietnamese people.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 3 — During the festival, Vietnamese people no matter where they work and live pay homage to their native town to show their respect for their ancestors in cemeteries.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 4 — This year, the festival begins on April 4 and lasts through to April 20. However, Vietnamese people often choose days off work, normally on weekends, to visit the graves.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 5 — On these days, people often tidy up the grave, by cleaning the grave, cutting the grass or planting new trees.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 6 — They then place offerings and burn incense in commemorate of the dead.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 7 — Offerings may include different types of fruit, a bowl of sticky rice, a boiled chicken or a piece of boiled pork, candies, votive papers and flowers.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 8 — People pray for blessings and they believe their dead loved ones hear their prayers.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 9 — After the ritual, they burn votive papers hoping the dead would enjoy a good life in their world and bless the living.

paying tribute to the deceased in grave-visiting festival picture 10 — In today’s modern society, it is necessary to teach family traditions, national traditions and cultural beauty to young people. By doing so, good values will not be lost and will last forever.

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