By Ava Ay-Ay

In Vietnam, a very significant event is celebrated every 8th day of March. It is the Vietnamese’s version of Mother’s Day which is called “Mua Vu Lan.” The whole event is said to trace back to the Asian tradition of piety and worship. At the same time, it is considered as a Buddhist holiday for praising mothers and thanking them for the love and care that they show during motherhood.

“Mua Vu Lan” dates back to the early times of Buddhism. It is said, that one day while meditating, Buddha’s disciple Muc Kien Lien saw his own mother in great pain in Hell. His mother was being condemned for all the evil deeds that she has committed while she was alive. She appeared to be very hungry and was asking the spiritual powers to bring her food. Instead, in a snap, the food was burned and turned into ashes.

As soon as Muc Kien Lien returned to the physical world, he prayed and asked Buddha to bless his mother and to make him a pious son. Buddha asked him to gather devotees so they would all pray together for his mother. The prayers were so powerful that they helped release the souls of not only his mother, but others’ as well. Since then, this event has been celebrated and widely practiced both as a “day for lost souls” and a “day for mothers” as the same time.

Today “Mua Vu Len” is celebrated by young and old alike. “Chic Mung Ngay Me” is the way to greet Vietnamese mothers on that special day. Children pay tribute to their mothers and give them presents and flowers. Women in general are also recognized. In corporate settings, for example, parties are organized in honor of women who are recognized for their hard work throughout the year.

The event’s cultural essence remains alive today as kids and teenagers continue to practice traditional values by visiting pagodas as a way of honoring the dead and at the same time, to show their love for their mothers.

“Chic Mung Ngay Me”