The Vu Lan Festival (also known as the Ullambana Festival) is one of the most significant Buddhist holidays in Vietnam, celebrated in the 7th lunar month. This festival is a time for honoring and showing gratitude to one’s ancestors, as well as paying homage to deceased family members. Vu Lan is not just a religious observance but also a moment for reflection on filial piety, compassion, and the importance of nurturing life. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Vu Lan Festival is the practice of eating vegetarian food. This reflects Buddhist principles of compassion, non-violence, and respect for all living beings. Vegetarian dishes play a central role in the festival’s celebrations, with many families preparing meals that are both symbolic and nourishing.

In this article, we will explore the significance of vegetarian food during the Vu Lan Festival and introduce some of the most popular dishes commonly prepared and enjoyed during this special occasion.

1. The Meaning of Vegetarian Food in Vu Lan Festival

The Vu Lan Festival, deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings, is an opportunity for people to practice kindness, generosity, and humility. A central theme of this celebration is the act of honoring ancestors and helping the souls of the deceased find peace. According to Buddhist beliefs, the spirits of the deceased may experience suffering unless they receive offerings and prayers from their descendants. Vegetarian food, being in line with the principles of Buddhism, is offered as a way to express compassion and respect for all living beings. By choosing to prepare and serve vegetarian dishes, participants demonstrate a commitment to non-violence and a deeper spiritual connection to the act of giving.

Eating vegetarian food during Vu Lan also reflects the belief in purity and the avoidance of karmic accumulation from killing animals. The dishes are meant to purify the body and mind, aligning with the Buddhist teachings of detachment and mindfulness. In addition, these foods promote harmony within the family and community, providing an opportunity for people to gather, reflect, and share in the act of giving.

2. Traditional Vegetarian Dishes in the Vu Lan Festival

During the Vu Lan Festival, vegetarian meals are carefully prepared to honor both the spirits of the departed and the living. Many families take this opportunity to prepare elaborate dishes that are rich in flavor, color, and symbolic meaning. These meals are shared among family members and offered at temples as part of the religious observance. Some dishes are influenced by Buddhist cuisine, which emphasizes the use of fresh, plant-based ingredients and avoids the use of meat, garlic, onion, and other pungent ingredients that are believed to disturb spiritual balance.

a. Bánh Chưng Chay (Vegetarian Square Sticky Rice Cake)

A central food item during the Vu Lan Festival is bánh chưng chay, the vegetarian version of the traditional square sticky rice cake. This dish is a variation of bánh chưng, which is usually made with pork and mung beans and is essential for the Lunar New Year celebrations in Vietnam. For Vu Lan, the filling is replaced with vegetarian ingredients such as lotus seeds, mung beans, and vegetables. The rice is wrapped in banana leaves and boiled, making it a symbolic offering during prayers and ceremonies.

The square shape of bánh chưng symbolizes the Earth, and it is traditionally offered to ancestors during the Vu Lan Festival. The vegetarian version is made to honor the spirits of the deceased in a way that aligns with Buddhist teachings of compassion, purity, and non-violence. The combination of rice and vegetables signifies the cycle of life and the harmony between nature and humanity.

b. Cháo Chay (Vegetarian Rice Porridge)

Another popular dish during the Vu Lan Festival is cháo chay, a vegetarian rice porridge made with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and spices. It is often prepared as a comforting meal for both the living and the deceased. The dish is believed to bring peace and nourishment to the spirits of ancestors, who are said to enjoy the simple, clean flavors of this meal. The rice porridge is typically cooked with mushrooms, carrots, onions, and a variety of herbs, creating a soothing and savory dish.

Cháo chay is also served as an offering in Buddhist temples, where it is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to the worshippers. The act of cooking and sharing this dish reflects the Buddhist values of compassion and generosity, as it is meant to nourish both the body and the soul.

c. Nem Chay (Vegetarian Spring Rolls)

Nem chay are vegetarian spring rolls, an iconic dish that is commonly prepared for the Vu Lan Festival. These rolls are made with a variety of vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, wrapped in rice paper and then deep-fried or served fresh. The fresh spring rolls may be served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce made from hoisin sauce, vinegar, and sugar.

The act of rolling the ingredients together symbolizes the unity and interconnectedness of all life. Nem chay is often served at family gatherings or as part of a larger vegetarian feast during the Vu Lan Festival. It is also commonly offered at temples as part of the religious ceremony, symbolizing purity, gratitude, and respect for the spirits of the departed.

d. Đậu Hủ Xào Rau (Stir-Fried Tofu with Vegetables)

Tofu is a staple ingredient in many vegetarian dishes, and it plays a prominent role in the meal offerings during the Vu Lan Festival. One popular dish is đậu hủ xào rau, a stir-fried tofu dish with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. The tofu is marinated and stir-fried with seasonings, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. The vegetables and tofu symbolize balance and harmony, while the rich flavors represent the prosperity and abundance that are hoped for in the coming year.

This dish is particularly popular because it can be easily customized with different vegetables or sauces, making it suitable for both formal and informal meals. Its nutritional value, along with its simple preparation, makes it a favorite during the Vu Lan Festival, when families gather to share a wholesome, compassionate meal.

e. Cơm Chay (Vegetarian Rice)

In many Vietnamese households, cơm chay, or vegetarian rice, is an essential part of the Vu Lan meal. This dish is often prepared with a combination of white or brown rice, vegetables, and tofu, flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other vegetarian seasonings. The rice is usually served as a base for other dishes or eaten on its own with a variety of vegetarian side dishes.

Cơm chay is not only a nourishing dish but also a symbol of simplicity, purity, and spiritual balance. It is typically served alongside other vegetarian dishes, offering a wholesome and fulfilling meal. This dish is significant in the Vu Lan Festival as it embodies the idea of offering sustenance to both the living and the spirits of ancestors.

f. Canh Chay (Vegetarian Soup)

Canh chay is a vegetarian soup that is made with fresh herbs, mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables. The broth is often light, made from vegetable stock, and is flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. This soup is typically served alongside rice and other vegetarian dishes as part of the larger Vu Lan meal.

Vegetarian soups are an important part of Buddhist cuisine, symbolizing the cleansing and nourishing of the body and soul. The ingredients used in canh chay are believed to help balance the body’s energy, promoting well-being and harmony. During the Vu Lan Festival, the soup is offered to ancestors as a way to bring peace and comfort to their spirits.

3. Symbolism of Vegetarian Dishes in Vu Lan

Each vegetarian dish prepared during the Vu Lan Festival is imbued with symbolic meaning. These dishes serve as an expression of respect for the ancestors and a reflection of Buddhist teachings on compassion, non-violence, and mindfulness.

For instance, the vegetarian square sticky rice cake (bánh chưng chay) represents the harmony between heaven and earth, while cháo chay symbolizes simplicity and purity. The act of preparing and sharing these dishes is seen as a way to promote good karma, strengthen familial bonds, and nurture spiritual growth. The dishes are also considered offerings to the deceased, helping their spirits find peace in the afterlife.

In addition to their spiritual significance, vegetarian dishes during Vu Lan emphasize the value of mindfulness and ethical eating. By choosing plant-based foods, families honor the Buddhist practice of avoiding harm to animals and reducing the suffering of sentient beings. The vegetarian diet also promotes a sense of inner peace and harmony, which is in line with the meditative and contemplative nature of the festival.

4. Conclusion

The Vu Lan Festival is a time to honor ancestors, reflect on the value of filial piety, and practice compassion. Vegetarian food plays a central role in this celebration, offering a way to express gratitude, respect, and love for both the living and the deceased. From bánh chưng chay to cháo chay, each dish carries deep spiritual significance, reflecting Buddhist values of purity, non-violence, and mindfulness. Through these meals, families come together to nourish not only their bodies but also their spirits, reinforcing the importance of unity, compassion, and respect for all life. The vegetarian dishes of the Vu Lan Festival serve as both a celebration of Vietnamese culinary traditions and a powerful reminder of the moral and spiritual teachings that guide Buddhist practice.