Tet Doan Ngo – Insect Extermination Day and Its Unique Cultural Values

1. What is Tet Doan Ngo?

Tet Doan Ngo, also known as the Insect Extermination Festival, takes place on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month every year. This is one of the important traditional holidays, imbued with the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people.

2. Origin and meaning of Tet Doan Ngo

According to legend, Tet Doan Ngo originated from the folk concept of “killing insects” – destroying pests that harm crops. This day is also considered the time when the human body easily accumulates toxins, so sour, spicy, and hot dishes will help purify and balance health.

Besides the meaning of pest extermination, this is also an occasion for family reunion, remembering ancestors and praying for a year of favorable weather and bountiful crops.

3. Customs and traditional foods during Tet Doan Ngo

On this day, Vietnamese people often prepare and enjoy typical dishes:
✅ Sticky rice wine: A traditional dish that is not only attractive because of its sweet taste and strong aroma, but is also considered a “miracle drug” that helps kill bacteria and parasites in the stomach, bringing a fresh, comfortable feeling to the body.

✅ Ash cake: Traditional cake made from sticky rice, has a cool, soft taste that melts in your mouth, helps cool down and quench your thirst, making everyone want to try it once on hot days.

✅ Sour fruits: Fruits such as plums, lychees, mangoes, etc. are often called “summer fruits,” not only cooling the body but also stimulating digestion, purifying the body, and bringing a refreshing feeling on hot days.

In addition, many families also prepare ancestral offerings to express gratitude and pray for luck and peace for the whole year.

In addition, many families also prepare ancestral offerings to express gratitude and pray for luck and peace for the whole year.

The offering tray usually includes the following offerings:

• Sticky rice wine (white rice wine or black sticky rice wine).
• Ash cake or traditional cakes.
• Fresh, sour fruits (plums, lychees, mangoes, dragon fruits…).
• Incense, fresh flowers, candles and a cup of clean water.

When making offerings, the homeowner should arrange the offering tray neatly and cleanly, and pray sincerely to show respect to the ancestors.

SUMMARY

Tet Doan Ngo not only has the meaning of eliminating insects and purifying the body, but is also a day for family reunion and preserving the traditional beauty of the nation. Let’s prepare a full and complete offering tray together to welcome the warmest and most meaningful 5th day of the 5th lunar month!

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