The full moon of the twelfth month is an important festival in Vietnam, celebrated on the last full moon of the lunar year. It holds deep cultural significance and is a time for joyous festivities, family reunions, and expressions of gratitude. 

What is the full moon of the twelfth month?

The worshiping ceremony for the full moon of December is considered one of the three important rituals to see off the old year.

About the full moon of the twelfth month

In Vietnamese culture, the full moon days of that year are considered to be the full moon of the first month, the full moon of the seventh month (Vu Lan festival), the full moon of the eighth month (Mid Autumn festival),... The full moon of the twelfth month is a holiday that is not much special compared to other full moon days. However, because this is the last full moon of the year, preparing for the Lunar New Year.

Meaning of this day

For Vietnamese people, the twelfth month is an important month of the year, when everyone looks forward to the Tet reunion with family. The full moon of the twelfth month is considered a day to remember the roots, the ancestors follow the principle of drinking water to remember the source and as a connection between generations to maintain the family religion and tradition. Therefore, worshiping the full moon of December is considered a ceremony to summarize for a year, and worshiping the full moon of December is usually well-prepared.

The full moon of the twelfth month is the last full moon day of the year

The tray of sacrifices

Depending on the conditions of each family or cultural customs in each region, some families prepare vegetarian offerings, others prepare savory offerings.

All antique trays are indispensable for incense, fresh flowers, candles, and fresh fruit. The savory tray includes boiled chicken, sticky rice with sweet gourd (xôi gấc), sticky square cake (bánh chưng), spring rolls, stir-fried dishes, pork bologna,... Vegetarian tray, usually with vegetarian spring rolls, vegetarian sticky square cake, boiled vegetables, mushroom soup,... 

The tray for this full moon day is prepared for more refined worship

What should we pay attention to on the full moon of the twelfth month?

• Avoid quarrels, arguments, conflicts: Long-term conflicts and arguments will easily generate negative energy, affecting the New Year's luck.
• Do not pick up money that falls: In December, many families organize offerings and scatter real money to guide the devil, so if you pick up money that falls, it will be easy to be harassed by the devil.
• Abstain from borrowing: Borrowing at the end of the year does not bring luck because the debt squeezed into the new year will signal a bad year.
• Avoid breakage: Breaking furniture is considered bad luck, so it is best avoided during times like the end of the year.
• Overwork: Burnout easily leads to wrong decisions and creates bad luck at the end of the year, even affecting the following year.

Some things should be avoided in order to have a pleasant twelfth month

The full moon of the twelfth month is a particularly important day of the year. It is the last full moon day and also the beginning of the reconciliation between the new year and the old year, signaling that it is time to prepare for the Lunar New Year with family. So, plan your Vietnam tour at this time to enjoy the festive atmosphere!