Offerings are made to spirits and the god of death to ward off diseases during this time. Human effigies are also burned to satisfy the requirements of the god for souls for his army. Doan Ngo is on the 5th of May lunar calendar.

Trung Nguyen (Wandering Souls Day)

An important festival. It is believed that during this time, prayers can absolve the sins of the dead who leave hell and return to their relatives. There are celebrations in Buddhist homes and temples, money is burnt and food is placed out on tables.

Vietnamese All-Souls' Day

is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. In the past, Buddhists referred to this day as the time to forgive the lost souls, to fulfill filial duty, and to remember the dead.

Prayers were held in pagodas. People in every household burned votive paper as well as shoes and dresses made of paper as a donation to the dead.