Class 101 - English 10

Superstitions still play an important part of life for many people in Viet Nam. For example, a lot of people choose a favourable date for occasions such as weddings, funerals, or house moving days. Some people may argue that being superstitious has no place in today’s society. However, superstitions have existed in all human societies throughout history. As a country situated in Asia, where many mysteries, and legends originate, Viet Nam has also kept various superstitious beliefs about daily activities.

There are numerous rituals related to daily activities. During the Vietnamese New Year, for example, many people believe that the fi rst person who visits their home on the fi rst day of the new year will aff ect their life. Thus, they try to choose this person very carefully. If this person is rich, prestigious or happy, then the family will have good fortune that year. People also believe that if you sweep the fl oor during the fi rst three days of the festival, you might sweep out any wealth. For other things, such as setting out for an examination or starting up a business venture, people will try to avoid crossing the path of a woman as this may not bring good luck to them.

As for traditional beliefs, Vietnamese people strongly believe in life after death. They think that their ancestors have gone to live in another world. So, the altar is believed to be the place where the ancestors’ souls live in. That’s why on many days of the year, people not only lay the table for meals, but they also lay food on the altar so their ancestors will join them for the meal.