"9th Day: Honoring Heaven

10th Day: Honoring Earth"

To demonstrate their respect for heaven and earth, a distinctive offering, grilled snakehead fish with sugarcane, is placed on the altar. The snakehead fish is considered a valuable food in the southern region. Even today, during the 10th day of the first lunar month, in Ho Chi Minh City's Tân Kỳ Tân Quí, Tân Phú district, one can see smoke from the grill of snakehead fish sellers. This famous grilled fish can also be found throughout different neighborhoods across Ho Chi Minh City as well as in many provinces in the South region.

 

Vietnamese people have a deep connection with incense, which has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. Incense is a ubiquitous presence in Vietnamese society, used in religious rituals, offerings to ancestors, spiritual practices, and for cultural and traditional reasons. And God of Fortune is one of the activities.

In ancestor worship rituals, incense plays a central role. It is believed that the smoke from incense carries prayers and offerings to the ancestors who have passed away. The use of incense in these rituals serves to honor and pay respect to the dead, and also symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead.

In Buddhism, incense is used to pay homage to the Buddha and other spiritual figures. It is believed that the smoke from incense can purify the air, cleanse the environment, and ward off evil spirits. In addition, incense is used to create a peaceful and meditative atmosphere in Buddhist temples, where people come to pray and meditate.

For many people in Vietnam, incense is also used as a form of aromatherapy. The soothing scent of incense is believed to help calm the mind and promote relaxation, making it a popular choice for people looking to reduce stress and anxiety.

Culturally, the use of incense is seen as an important part of Vietnamese tradition. It is often used in special occasions and festivals, such as weddings and Tet celebrations, to bring good luck and blessings to the family and the community.

In conclusion, the tradition of honoring the Earth on the 10th day with snakehead fish is a long-standing custom among the southern Vietnamese people. It is a way of remembering and paying homage to the ancestors who worked hard and sacrificed to create this land. Incense plays a significant role in Vietnamese culture and society. Its use is deeply intertwined with religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and spiritual practices. It is a symbol of reverence, respect, and connection to the ancestors, to spiritual figures, and to one's cultural heritage. That at all, it is a way of praying for a healthy, lucky life.