Prayer for the full moon of the first lunar month, offering sacrifices to ancestors and deities.

The full moon day, also known as the 15th day of the lunar month, holds special significance in the spiritual and cultural life of the Vietnamese people. On this day, many families perform rituals to commemorate their ancestors, give thanks to the deities, and pray for peace and good fortune.

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Full Moon Festival, takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year. In 2025, the Lantern Festival will fall on Wednesday, February 12th of the Gregorian calendar.

What is the best time to offer prayers on the full moon of the first lunar month?

When offering prayers on the full moon of the first lunar month, you need to pay attention to auspicious times and arrange the rituals sincerely to express your devotion to Buddha and your ancestors.

Morning12/02/2025(i.e.15th day of the first lunar month) is the best time to offer prayers and sacrifices on the full moon of the first lunar month.

Auspicious times for offering sacrifices on the full moon of the first lunar month are usually during the hours of Mao (5-7 am), Ngo (11 am to 1 pm), and Than (3-5 pm).

However, if the family is busy, the ceremony can be held earlier.February 11th(i.e.January 14th (Lunar Calendar).

The auspicious times for offering prayers on the full moon of the first lunar month on this day are the hours of Thin (7am-9am), Ngo (11am-1pm), and Mui (1pm-3pm).

What does the offering tray for the full moon ceremony in the first lunar month consist of?

The offering tray for the full moon day is usually meticulously prepared with many offerings to present to ancestors and deities. The components of a vegetarian offering tray often include incense, flowers, fruits, glutinous rice with gac fruit or mung beans, vegetarian spring rolls, vegetarian glutinous rice balls in sweet soup, wine, water, etc.

In addition, there is a savory offering tray with chicken, glutinous rice with gac fruit or mung beans, pork sausage or head cheese, fried spring rolls, braised pork, meatball soup, and boiled vegetables. Preparing a solemn and sincere offering tray not only shows respect for ancestors and deities but also brings peace and good fortune to the family.

Prayer for the Full Moon of the First Lunar Month in the Year of the Snake (2015) to worship the Deities and the Earth God.

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

I respectfully bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven, the Ten Directions of Buddhas, and all the Buddhas of the Ten Directions. I respectfully bow to the Heavenly Emperor, the Earth Goddess, and all the Venerable Deities. I respectfully bow to the Deities of the Five Directions, the Five Lands, and the Deities of Fortune and Virtue. I respectfully bow to the Deities of the Past and Present, the Landlord, and the God of Wealth. I respectfully bow to all the Venerable Deities who govern this area.

We, the homeowners, whose names are …, currently reside at …

Today is the full moon of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake (2015). We, the family, sincerely prepare incense, flowers, gold and silver offerings, tea, and light fragrant incense sticks to present before the altar.

We, the homeowners, respectfully invite the Venerable Deity of the Current Year's Ruling Tai Sui, the Great Kings of the Local Guardian Deity, the Dragon Vein Deity, the Local Earth Deity, the Five Earth Deities, the Five Directions Deities, the Kitchen God, the God of Fortune and Virtue, and all other Venerable Deities governing this area.

We humbly beseech you, O deities, to hear our plea for mercy, descend before this altar, witness our sincerity, accept our offerings, and protect us so that we may always be safe, our work may go smoothly, our wishes may be fulfilled, our prayers answered, and our spiritual path may be broadened.

We have prepared this humble offering with sincere hearts, bowing before the altar, and humbly ask for your blessings and protection.

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Prayer to the ancestors on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake (2015)

Today is the full moon of the first lunar month of the year of the Snake (2025).

We, your humble devotees, are: ... residing at: ...

We respectfully invite: the Sun God, the Heavenly Emperor; the Southern and Northern Dipper; the Venus and Sun Gods; the Great Virtue Star of the North Pole; the Literary Star and the Literary Star; the Twenty-Eight Constellations and the Five Elements; the Rahu and Ketu Stars to descend before this altar and hear our humble invitation:

On the full moon day of the Lantern Festival, according to worldly custom, we, your devout followers, sincerely prepare offerings of betel nuts and leaves, incense, flowers, tea, and fruits, lighting incense sticks and offering them before the altar, respectfully inviting the deities to come and partake, and to bless our entire family with good health, peace, prosperity, harmony, and obedience between generations.

The radiant light of heaven illuminates the mortal realm. We beseech the celestial beings to bestow their grace and blessings. Though our offerings are humble, our sincerity is abundant. May our lives be peaceful and our bodies healthy.

Respectfully submitted!

Above is a sample prayer for the full moon day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake (2015) to worship deities and ancestors. Hopefully, this prayer will bring sacredness and profound meaning, helping to make your family's full moon ceremony more complete.