The Vietnamese honor their mothers each year before and on the 15th of the lunar seventh month, by going to pagodas and offering prayers.
Trang Van Tu’s mother passed away in 1968 and his wife ten years back. Every year, he and all his family members go to the pagoda to honor their dead spirits.
Another very impoverished man said he had lost his mother and even though he and his younger brother were finding it tough to make a livelihood, they never forget going to the pagoda on every Vu Lan Festival, fondly remembering their late mother.
During the full moon of the month, those whose mothers have passed away receive offerings of a white rose, while those with their mothers still alive receive a red rose.
Monk Thich Thien Tanh, deputy head of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ho Chi Minh City says Vu Lan Festival is an opportunity for all pious Buddhist followers to honor the spirit of their mothers.
Pagodas also offer gifts of rice and other presents to the poor and impoverished as well as scholarships to disadvantaged students.
