Death Anniversary Offering Prayer
The annual death anniversary (kỵ nhật) of a departed loved one
Meaning
The death anniversary offering is a beautiful cultural expression of the Vietnamese principle "when drinking water, remember its source." The anniversary is a day of remembrance for departed loved ones; the descendants gather to make offerings and pray for the deceased's liberation and for their blessing on the descendants.
Offering preparation
Death anniversary offering tray: rice, soup, dishes the deceased favored in life, fruit, incense, candles, and votive paper. Arranged on the altar; the offering is made in the morning or at midday on the anniversary day.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)
Today is the .......... day of the .......... month, year .......... (lunar).
The faithful: ..........................................
Residing at: ..........................................
On this death anniversary of: ..........................................
The descendants sincerely prepare offerings of incense and flowers, presented before the altar.
We respectfully bow to the spirit of: ..........................................
The death anniversary has now arrived; the descendants are gathered together, remembering the kindness of this person. We respectfully invite the spirit to come and partake of these offerings together with the ancestors of both paternal and maternal sides.
We humbly ask the spirit to bless the descendants:
With peaceful health and successful study.
With favorable work and family harmony.
We offer modest gifts with sincere hearts; we respectfully present them.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)