Vietnam itinerary & cost

Ancestor Worship is an ancient Vietnamese tradition that celebrates the dead within the family and reminds people of their origins.

The worship ceremony stems from the belief that the souls of the dead are still wandering in this world and influence the lives of their descendants. Vietnamese believe that bodily death is not the end of life; that one’s immortal soul often stays near the family altar to protect their loved ones, looking after them and helping them face difficulties. Therefore, the living avoid committing sins for fear of disturbing the souls of their ancestors.

In addition, the Vietnamese believe that the deceased have the same needs in the afterlife as they had on earth. The worship ceremony is a kind of bridge between the living and the intangible world. This is why Vietnamese people burn paper objects like money, a house, a car, clothes and shoes, so that the dead can use them in their world.

The majority of Vietnamese families have altars to honor and remember their ancestors. Their size varies according to the situation of the family. The altar must be located in a high, clean and respectful place in the house. Incense sticks and flowers are laid on the anniversary of the death of a family member, during the Tet holiday and on other occasions.

Every altar must usually have three small pots of incense, two vases of flowers, photos of the deceased, two beautiful plates to present the deceased's favorite offerings, a bottle of wine and a set of teapot and cups. The altar should always be clean and neat.  Many homes often burn incense sticks believing it will bring luck, happiness, security, prosperity and wealth to the family.

For special occasions, such as birthdays of the death of ancestors or the Tet Holiday, special rituals are held to communicate with the dead. Rites consist of making offerings of fruit, food and wine, lighting candles and burning incense before praying in front of the altar. With the participation of one or more ritual masters, the Vietnamese believe they can bring back their ancestors. Then the soul of a dead person can enter the body of a living and discuss with his descendants. The deceased can tell about his life in the afterlife, ask for things he wants, or give information to  relatives.