In Vietnamese culture, the Vu Lan Festival, also known as Lễ Vu Lan or the Ghost Festival, is a significant occasion for honoring ancestors and expressing gratitude to one’s parents. This annual event takes place on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, marking the culmination of a month-long period dedicated to ancestral worship. During this time, families come together to pay respects to their ancestors, offering food, incense, and prayers as a way of showing reverence.

One of the key aspects of Vu Lan Festival is the preparation and sharing of special foods, often characterized by vegetarian dishes, symbolic ingredients, and dishes with deep cultural significance. These foods are not only meant to nourish the body but also to symbolize the honoring of ancestors, the importance of filial piety, and the spiritual connection between the living and the deceased.

This article will explore the traditional foods of the Vu Lan Festival, their meanings, and the customs surrounding them. We will also discuss how these foods reflect the values of Vietnamese culture and the deep connection to family and ancestry that defines the festival.

1. The Meaning and Significance of Vu Lan Festival

The Vu Lan Festival has its roots in Buddhist traditions, particularly the Ullambana ceremony. According to Buddhist teachings, it is believed that during this time, the souls of the deceased can be liberated from suffering if their living relatives perform good deeds in their memory. The festival is a time for filial piety, a value that holds deep meaning in Vietnamese culture. Filial piety emphasizes respect for and devotion to one’s parents and ancestors.

In addition to its Buddhist origins, Vu Lan is a celebration of the bond between generations. The foods prepared during this festival are seen as offerings to ancestors, and their significance goes beyond mere sustenance; they are expressions of love, respect, and remembrance.

2. Traditional Foods for Vu Lan Festival

During Vu Lan, the foods served are meant to honor the spirits of ancestors and show respect to parents. The offerings typically include both savory and sweet dishes, with a strong emphasis on vegetarian fare. Vegetarianism during this period is considered a way of purifying the body and mind, as it aligns with Buddhist teachings of non-violence and compassion for all living beings. Below are some of the most common dishes served during the Vu Lan Festival:

a. Vegetarian Rice and Stir-fried Vegetables

A centerpiece of many Vu Lan meals is vegetarian rice, often served alongside a variety of stir-fried vegetables. The vegetables chosen are typically seasonal and fresh, symbolizing the bounty of nature and the importance of honoring the earth’s resources. Ingredients such as mushrooms, eggplant, tofu, carrots, and cabbage are commonly used. Stir-frying these vegetables enhances their flavors, and the dish is usually prepared without any meat, using soy sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce for flavor.

The vegetarian rice is usually served plain or with ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, lotus seeds, and peanuts, all of which carry symbolic meanings. Lotus seeds are associated with purity and spiritual growth, while peanuts represent long life and good fortune.

b. Canh Chua Chay (Vegetarian Sour Soup)

Canh chua chay, or vegetarian sour soup, is a dish commonly enjoyed during Vu Lan, particularly in Southern Vietnam. This dish is typically made with ingredients like pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprouts, okra, and tofu, and is flavored with tamarind and sour fruits. The soup’s sourness symbolizes the bitterness of life and the journey to attain spiritual liberation, while its fresh, aromatic ingredients evoke the beauty and simplicity of nature.

Canh chua chay can also be garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro and basil, which add flavor and fragrance, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.

c. Bánh Chưng or Bánh Dày

Bánh chưng and bánh dày are traditional rice cakes that hold a special place in Vietnamese culture, and they are often prepared for festivals like Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) and Vu Lan. These rice cakes are typically made with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, though for Vu Lan, the meat is often omitted, and a vegetarian filling is used instead.

Bánh chưng is square-shaped, symbolizing the earth, while bánh dày is round, symbolizing the heavens. The two cakes together represent harmony between heaven and earth, making them an important offering during Vu Lan. These cakes are often steamed for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. When served during Vu Lan, they represent respect for the ancestors and the earth that sustains life.

d. Gỏi Chay (Vegetarian Salad)

Gỏi chay, or vegetarian salad, is a refreshing and light dish typically made with fresh vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and sometimes tofu. The salad is usually dressed with a tangy, sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and chili, offering a balance of flavors. It is often garnished with crushed peanuts, which symbolize abundance and good luck.

Gỏi chay is typically served at the beginning of the meal, providing a crisp and fresh contrast to the heavier dishes that follow. It also symbolizes the importance of balance in life, with its combination of different textures and flavors.

e. Chè (Sweet Dessert Soups)

Dessert plays an important role in Vu Lan meals, and chè (sweet soups) are a popular choice. These sweet soups are often made with ingredients like tapioca pearls, mung beans, coconut milk, and sugar. One of the most popular types of chè during Vu Lan is chè đậu xanh (mung bean sweet soup), which is made by simmering mung beans with sugar and coconut milk, creating a rich, comforting dessert.

In addition to its sweetness, chè carries symbolic meaning, representing the sweetness of life and the joy that comes from honoring ancestors and family. It is often shared among family members, reinforcing the bond between generations.

f. Fruits and Incense Offerings

In addition to prepared dishes, fresh fruits and incense are integral to Vu Lan offerings. Fruits such as bananas, oranges, and apples are carefully arranged on the altar as symbolic offerings to ancestors. These fruits are believed to provide nourishment to the spirits of the deceased, ensuring their peaceful rest.

Incense is also burned during the Vu Lan ceremony, with its fragrant smoke representing the prayers and wishes of the living being sent to the deceased. It is a way of bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds and ensuring that the spirits of ancestors are honored and remembered.

3. The Spiritual Significance of Vu Lan Foods

The foods served during Vu Lan are more than just a way to nourish the body—they carry profound spiritual meanings. In Vietnamese culture, food offerings are seen as a way to demonstrate gratitude and respect for one’s ancestors. These offerings represent the fruits of hard work and the bounty of nature, which are shared with the spirits as a form of reverence.

For instance, the act of preparing vegetarian dishes is symbolic of the Buddhist teachings of compassion and non-violence. By refraining from using meat during Vu Lan, families honor the spirits without causing harm to any living being, which aligns with the core Buddhist principles of mindfulness and empathy.

Furthermore, the use of symbolic ingredients in Vu Lan meals, such as lotus seeds, peanuts, and tamarind, reflects the spiritual beliefs and hopes of the living for their ancestors. These foods symbolize peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth, reinforcing the values of family, respect, and interconnectedness.

4. Modern Variations of Vu Lan Foods

While the traditional foods of Vu Lan remain popular, modern variations have also emerged as families continue to celebrate the festival in new and innovative ways. Some families may choose to incorporate contemporary dishes, such as vegetarian versions of popular meat dishes, or adapt traditional recipes to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

For example, vegetarian pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) is becoming an increasingly popular option for Vu Lan, offering a meat-free alternative to the traditional pho. Similarly, vegan-friendly versions of bánh chưng and gỏi chay are now available, catering to those who follow plant-based diets.

Despite these changes, the core principles of the Vu Lan meal remain the same: honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude, and maintaining the spiritual connection between generations.

5. Conclusion: The Role of Food in Vu Lan Festival

Food plays an integral role in the Vu Lan Festival, serving as both a physical and symbolic offering to ancestors. Through the preparation and sharing of traditional dishes like vegetarian rice, canh chua chay, bánh chưng, and chè, families express their love, respect, and gratitude for their ancestors. These foods are not only nourishing but also carry deep cultural and spiritual meanings that highlight the importance of family, filial piety, and the interconnectedness of life and death.

As Vu Lan continues to be celebrated by families across Vietnam and beyond, the tradition of honoring ancestors with food remains an essential part of this meaningful festival, ensuring that the memories of the departed are kept alive in the hearts of the living. Whether enjoyed in a humble family meal or shared with the wider community, the foods of Vu Lan serve as a powerful reminder of the values of respect, love, and remembrance that define the spirit of the festival.