The Sacred Altars of Vietnam: A Look at Ancestor Worship

1. When did ancestor worship begin in Vietnam?

• The origins of ancestor worship in Vietnam

Ancestor worship was introduced to Vietnam during the Chinese occupation around 200 BC. Over time, it has evolved into a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture and spirituality. Together with Confucianism, it has shaped the country’s religious and social structures, becoming an integral part of its identity. The 15th-century Hong Duc legal code even mandated the worship of five generations of ancestors, emphasizing its cultural importance.

• Buddhist influence on ancestor worship

Vietnamese ancestor worship has been deeply influenced by Buddhist teachings, particularly in funeral rituals and Tet celebrations. Buddhism emphasizes Tứ Ân (Four Gratitudes): gratitude to the Three Jewels, parents, society, and sentient beings. These teachings align with traditional values of filial piety, reinforcing the practice and encouraging descendants to honor their ancestors with reverence and gratitude.

An altar, also known as a worship table or sacred table, is a structure used in religious rituals to place offerings, perform worship, or carry out other ceremonial acts. Altars can be found in temples, pagodas, churches, and various other places of worship.

Ethnologists note that ancestor worship in Vietnam is uniquely developed, embodying a profound cultural and spiritual connection. The revered poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu captured this sentiment in Luc Van Tien:

"Thà đui mà giữ đạo nhà
Còn hơn sáng mắt ông cha không thờ"
("It is better to be blind and uphold family traditions
Than to see clearly and neglect veneration of one’s ancestors.")

Similarly, a common verse reflects the enduring value of this tradition:

"Tổ tông công đức thiên niên thịnh
Tử hiếu tôn hiền vạn đại vinh"
("The virtues and merits of ancestors bring prosperity for a thousand years; if descendants are grateful and filial, future generations will enjoy honor and glory.")

2. The essence of ancestor veneration

Ancestor worship is a cornerstone of Vietnamese spiritual life, emphasizing the deep connection between generations. It reflects the belief that ancestors continue to guide and protect their descendants, while the living honor their memory through rituals, offerings, and acts of gratitude.

This practice bridges the physical and spiritual realms, fostering a sense of respect and unity within families. Unlike Western traditions that often celebrate birthdays, Vietnamese culture places greater importance on the day of death as a transition into eternity, symbolizing continuity and shared heritage.

>>> Good to know:

The ancestral house (nhà thờ họ) is a significant cultural institution in Vietnam. Found primarily in the northern and central regions, these houses serve as communal spaces for families to honor their ancestors. Built in the traditional three-room style, they are places for important rituals and ceremonies that strengthen family ties and preserve traditions.

These houses also act as a spiritual anchor, believed to gather the souls of ancestors. Through annual death anniversaries and other ceremonies held here, families ensure that respect and unity are passed down through generations.

3. When do Vietnamese people worship their ancestors?

• Tet holiday

Ancestor worship is deeply connected to the Tet holiday, Vietnam's Lunar New Year. During this time, families honor their ancestors through rituals performed at the ancestral altar, which is central to Vietnamese homes.

Families use this occasion to reflect on the past year, sharing updates and heartfelt thoughts with their ancestors, while praying for peace, health, prosperity, and blessings for the year ahead.

The offerings and altars during Tet are especially elaborate and meticulously prepared, reflecting the importance of the holiday in honoring ancestors and seeking their guidance for a fortunate year to come.

(Curious about the dishes Vietnamese families prepare for Tet? Read on: 12 Must-Have Vietnamese Lunar New Year Foods)

• Funeral and death anniversary

Funerals hold deep cultural significance in Vietnam, with specific rituals and taboos observed to ensure the deceased's peaceful journey to the afterlife. That's why the funeral altar, a key symbol in Vietnamese funeral traditions, is set up with care, draped in white cloth, and surrounded by incense and flowers to create a sacred, tranquil atmosphere.

These include performing rites at the place of death, avoiding tears falling on the body, not burying the deceased with the living’s belongings, and keeping pets away from the funeral area,... All are parts of the death worship.

After the passing of parents or ancestors, one of the most significant rituals in Vietnamese culture is the giỗ (death anniversary), a ceremony held annually to honor their memory and mark their journey into eternity.

Death anniversary is a time to express loyalty, compassion, and filial piety toward ancestors. It brings family members together to share a meal, reconnect, and honor their heritage. The host, dressed formally, begins by offering prayers to the ancestors, while guests place offerings on the worship and join in bowing with four prostrations and three bows.

After the prayers and three rounds of incense, the host performs a final prayer of gratitude and burns the votive paper offerings.

•  Hung Kings worship

For generations, the Hung Kings have been regarded in the hearts of the Vietnamese people as symbols and the founding ancestors of the nation. The belief in worshiping the Hung Kings holds a significant position in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese, carrying deep cultural, and patriotic value.

This practice reflects the people's faith in the enduring presence of the Hung Kings and serves as a fundamental and widespread spiritual tradition in Vietnam.

The Hung Kings Temple Festival, celebrated on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, is considered one of the most important national events. It is immortalized in the saying: “Dù ai đi ngược về xuôi / Nhớ ngày giỗ Tổ mùng 10 tháng 3” (“No matter where you go, remember the Hung Kings’ death anniversary on the 10th of the 3rd lunar month”).

>>>>> Good to know:

Vietnamese people also worship their ancestors on Sóc (the first day of the lunar month) and Vọng (the full moon day) or whenever they seek blessings from their ancestors, such as for childbirth, marriage, building a house, starting a business, or dealing with health issues.

4. How do they practice ancestor veneration?

4.1 The position of ancestral altar

In Vietnamese households, the ancestral altar holds deep reverence as a sacred space to honor ancestors and cherish the memory of departed loved ones. Typically placed in the most elevated and serene part of the home, it serves as the focal point for ancestor worship rituals during significant occasions.

Certain universal rules apply regardless of the home type. The altar should not face or back onto restrooms or kitchens, as these areas are considered inappropriate for a sacred space. It should also avoid placement under staircases, ceiling beams, or in busy, high-traffic areas, as this can create negative energy. Additionally, the altar should not align directly with windows or doors, preventing external disruptions from compromising its sanctity.

4.2 Arrangement and decorations of the altar

The ancestral altar is meticulously arranged to reflect the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the family:

• Centerpiece: The altar typically features an incense burner (representing the cosmos) and two candles symbolizing the Sun and Moon, embodying balance between Yin and Yang. The burner may include a decorative center pole where circular incense sticks, representing the cycle of life, are placed.
• Offerings: These include incense, fresh flowers, fruit, and a bowl of water, symbolizing purity. During special occasions, a "mâm ngũ quả" (tray of five fruits) is added. These represent wishes for Phú (wealth) – Quý (elegance) – Thọ (longevity) – Khang (health) – Ninh (peace).
• Additional Items: Sugarcane stalks may flank the altars, symbolizing walking sticks to aid ancestors in their spiritual journey.

Behind the ancestral altar, family heirlooms such as portraits of the deceased, ceremonial tablets, or sacred emblems are displayed, symbolizing continuity and reverence for past generations.

Moreover, hoành phi câu đối (horizontal lacquered boards) is typically placed above the ancestral altar, with careful attention to alignment and balance, ensuring the altar faces the main door.

These boards with accompanying couplets are often inscribed in Hán-Nôm script, symbolizing respect for family traditions and virtues. Sometimes the altar and worship space are usually modest, but the placement of hoành phi câu đối enhances the spiritual and cultural significance of the area.

They serve as a tool to promote values like filial piety and are believed to bring harmony and prosperity through their artistic and feng shui qualities.

>>>>> Good to know: In northern Vietnam, bananas in mâm ngũ quả symbolize prosperity and unity because their upward-curving shape represents the gathering and protection of descendants, aligning with wishes for family harmony and abundance.

In contrast, southern Vietnamese consider bananas unlucky due to their pronunciation resembling failure, opting instead for fruits like coconuts and papayas, which symbolize wealth and good fortune.

4.3. How do the rituals happen?

Rituals involve lighting incense, an essential act representing prayers and offerings ascending to the spiritual realm. Odd numbers of incense sticks (1, 3, 5) are preferred. Care is taken to ensure the incense burns straight and evenly, reflecting harmony and respect.

While praying, the person performing the bow stands straight, hands clasped at forehead level, then bends down, placing their clasped hands on the mat and lowering their head close to their clasped hands (this is the prostration position).

They then lift their head and straighten their body while bringing their clasped hands back in front of their chest. Simultaneously, they raise their right knee, place the right foot on the mat to prepare to stand, and press their clasped hands on the right knee to stand upright. The left leg, which is kneeling, naturally rises to a standing position with this final motion.

Before reciting their prayers, the person performs four full bows, and after finishing their prayers, they stand from the kneeling position, completing what is considered half a bow. This is why it is often referred to as "four and a half bows." (bốn lạy rưỡi). The văn tế (prayer text) or văn khấn (incantation) is essentially a prepared speech crafted with careful wording and respectful presentation.

5. Why do Vietnamese burn incense in odd numbers?

Burning incense in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) is believed to bring positive energy (Yang) and good fortune, while even numbers are associated with Yin, which is considered less favorable. Here’s the significance of different numbers of incense sticks:

• One Stick: Used for daily worship, symbolizing sincerity and a wish for peace, health, happiness, and blessings. This is called "bình an hương" (peace incense).
• Three Sticks: Common on special occasions like Tet, full moons, and new moons. It represents:
  • Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
  • Three Realms: Desire, Form, and Formless realms.
  • Three Times: Past, Present, and Future.

In Buddhism, it signifies faith, teachings, and discipline.

• Five Sticks: Represents the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) and the five directions. It is used for significant events or to pray for the well-being of a family, clan, or nation, symbolizing harmony and balance across heaven and earth.
• Seven Sticks: Known as "Bắc Đẩu Thất", it calls upon celestial deities to remove negative energy or obstacles. This number is rarely used unless absolutely necessary.
• Nine Sticks: Known as "Cửu Liên Hoàn Hương", it is arranged in three rows of three. The top row invites the Jade Emperor, while the lower rows summon other spiritual deities. It is burned in desperate situations, seeking divine intervention and protection.

When in Hanoi, you can explore unique souvenirs that reflect Vietnamese culture, such as handcrafted incense from Quang Phu Cau village - a centuries-old tradition perfect for gifting.

(For more information, please read: What to Buy in Vietnam: Top 16 Must-Have Souvenirs!)

6. Joss paper burning: A tradition deeply rooted in ancestor worship

Burning joss paper, also known as "đốt vàng mã" in Vietnam, is a longstanding tradition tied to ancestor worship. This practice involves burning paper replicas of money, goods,... symbolically transferring these items to ancestors in the afterlife.

The Vietnamese believe that humans consist of both a soul and a body, with the body being mortal while the soul is eternal. The soul is considered the essence of a person, and it only departs from the body upon death.

Life continues in the afterlife, referred to as the "Nine Springs," mirroring earthly existence with basic needs such as food, clothing, and financial provisions. It is most commonly performed during death anniversaries, Tet (Lunar New Year), and the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Historically, joss paper offerings featured handmade replicas of gold and silver money, reflecting Vietnam’s feudal traditions. Over time, modern items such as smartphones, designer clothes, and even branded luxury goods have been introduced, highlighting how consumer culture influences spiritual practices.

Our final words…

We hope this article offers expats and visitors a meaningful glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions and deep-rooted family values.

As Vietnam strides toward the future, ancestor worship remains firmly anchored in its past. We believe it will continue to be a vital and heartfelt aspect of the nation’s spiritual and cultural life, preserving timeless values of gratitude, respect, and familial love in every generation.

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