(Baonghean.vn) - At the beginning of the new year, Vietnamese people often have the habit of offering prayers to ward off bad luck and pray for a peaceful and lucky life... To meet that need, at temples and pagodas, bad luck removal activities are organized in a bustling manner with many different forms.
Some images were recorded by reporters at Hoang Muoi Temple (Hung Nguyen District) and Hong Son Temple (Vinh City):
 |
| In the past, families often held ceremonies at home. However, in recent years, many people have gone to temples and pagodas. The ceremonies are organized elaborately. |
 |
| In East Asian folk beliefs in general and in Vietnam in particular, there is a concept that "each age in a year is influenced by a star. If encountering a bad star, people will cut the star to ward off bad luck, praying for a peaceful year" |
 |
| To ward off bad luck, in addition to inviting a shaman, homeowners must also prepare a full set of rituals. The most common of which is votive paper. |
 |
| According to the concept, "Each votive image will replace a bad star in the year". The cost for one time of bad luck removal is at least 200,000 VND (including votive paper) |
 |
| Visitors to Hoang Muoi Temple often buy horses - the average price for one horse is from 200,000 to 400,000 VND. |
 |
| To meet the needs of tourists, services of writing petitions and receiving fortune-telling are provided enthusiastically. At Hoang Muoi Temple, this year there are dozens of petition writing tables operating regularly. |
 |
| The accompanying sales services are also very vibrant and diverse. |
 |
| At Hong Son Temple, from January 4th until now, there are over 500 visitors coming every day to pray for good luck. |
 |
| Each place has a different form of exorcism. However, the main purpose is "to pray for peace and health", but there are also some people who have abused it, leading to "superstitious" phenomena and profiteering. |
My Ha
