What is Lễ Đầy Tháng? 🇻🇳
Lễ Đầy Tháng, or the Full-Month Celebration for Newborns, is a cherished Vietnamese tradition held when a baby reaches one month old. It is a time for families to express gratitude to the Twelve Midwives (Mười Hai Bà Mụ) and ancestors for protecting the child. The ceremony also introduces the baby to the extended family and wishes for a healthy, prosperous future.
The Significance of Lễ Đầy Tháng ✨
In Vietnamese culture, the first month is a critical time for a baby’s development. If the infant thrives through the first 30 days, it is believed they have overcome the most delicate stage of life. The ceremony marks the baby’s official acceptance into the family and society, with blessings for good health, intelligence, and happiness.
Traditional Offerings in Lễ Đầy Tháng 🎁🎂
A special altar is set up with ritual offerings to honor the Twelve Midwives and the family ancestors. The offerings typically include:
✔️ 12 small sticky rice cakes & 1 large sticky rice cake – Representing the Twelve Midwives and the child.
✔️ 12 cups of sweet dessert soup (chè) – Symbolizing sweetness and happiness in the child’s life.
✔️ Fruits and flowers – Expressing gratitude and respect.
✔️ Incense and candles – Connecting with ancestral spirits.
✔️ Boiled chicken, steamed rice, and salt – Essential elements of Vietnamese rituals.
Traditional Rituals & Blessings 🧧🌿
1. Naming Ceremony 📝
During the celebration, parents may officially announce the baby's name and its meaning. Some families also perform a name-changing ritual if they believe the baby needs a stronger or luckier name.
2. Hair-Cutting Ceremony ✂️
Some families shave a small portion of the baby’s hair as a way to symbolize a fresh start and remove bad luck.
3. Fortune-Telling (Bốc Thăm Đồ Vật) 🔮
A fun tradition where the baby is presented with a tray of symbolic objects such as books (for intelligence), money (for prosperity), pens (for creativity), and tools (for craftsmanship). The item the baby picks first is believed to indicate their future interests or career path.
Modern Adaptations of Lễ Đầy Tháng 🎊
While traditional rituals remain, modern families often celebrate with:
🎂 A baby shower-style gathering with friends and relatives.
📸 Photo sessions to capture the baby’s special milestone.
🎁 Gift-giving such as gold jewelry, lucky red envelopes (lì xì), and baby essentials.
Vietnam Treasure Team – Preserving Vietnamese Traditions 🇻🇳🎁
At Vietnam Treasure Team, we are dedicated to preserving and promoting Vietnamese cultural traditions like Lễ Đầy Tháng. We specialize in Vietnamese handicrafts, souvenirs, and cultural products that honor Vietnam’s rich heritage.
📞 Looking for traditional gifts or Vietnamese cultural products? Contact us today!
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✨👶 Celebrate life’s milestones the Vietnamese way! 🎂🎉
