Điều dưỡng viên, họ là ai?

– Điều dưỡng là gì ? Điều dưỡng làm gì ?
“Em muốn trở thành một y tá, để sau này em có thể chăm sóc sức khỏe cho người thân gia đình của em”. “Em học điều dưỡng vì đơn giản em muốn giúp mọi người vượt qua khó khăn bệnh tật” hay như “Làm điều dưỡng là ngành có triển vọng trong tương lai, dễ dàng kiếm tiền ...” đó là một số câu trả lời của các bạn sinh viên đang theo học ngành điều dưỡng khi được hỏi câu hỏi " tại sao bạn lại chọn ngành điều dưỡng để theo học ? " Học Cao đẳng Điều dưỡng Hà Nội ở đâu là tốt ?

Điều dưỡng viên, họ là ai?

Điều dưỡng viên là những người đảm nhiệm công việc chăm sóc sức khỏe, kiểm tra tình trạng sức khỏe bệnh nhân và những công việc khác để phục vụ quá trình chăm sóc sức khỏe bệnh nhân ban đầu cho tới khi phục hồi, trị liệu cho bệnh nhân. Theo như một định nghĩa khác thì người Điều dưỡng là những người được đào tạo và có nền tảng khoa học cơ bản về chăm sóc sức khỏe người bệnh, đáp ứng được các tiêu chuẩn về kê toa tùy theo sự giáo dục và sự hoàn thiện lâm sàng. điểm chuẩn cao đẳng y dược hà nội năm 2017

Điều dưỡng với giao tiếp:
Giao tiếp rất quan trọng đối với qui trình điều dưỡng, người điều dưỡng sử dụng tất cả các kỹ năng giao tiếp trong mọi bước của qui trình điều dưỡng. Nhận định, chẩn đoán điều dưỡng, lập kế hoạch chăm sóc, thực hiện và lượng giá của điều dưỡng cho bệnh nhân đều phụ thuộc vào sự giao tiếp hiệu quả của người điều dưỡng với người bệnh, gia đình người bệnh và các nhân viên chăm sóc sức khỏe.
Giao tiếp cũng hết sức quan trọng khi chăm sóc cho các người bệnh có vấn đề về giao tiếp như không thể giao tiếp được vì bệnh tật, chậm phát triển thần kinh ,giới hạn tâm lý do liệu trình điều trị hay lý do về mặt tình cảm, người điều dưỡng nên khuyến khích, động viên tạo ra bầu không khí vui vẻ, cởi mở để người bệnh có thể thể hiện tâm tư, tiết lộ hết thông tin cá nhân họ có cho ta biết để ta dễ dàng hơn trong công tác điều dưỡng. Tùy từng đối tượng bệnh nhân già yếu hay trẻ con... Từng bệnh tật khác nhau mà họ phải mang trong người, tùy hoàn cảnh gia đình thì người điều dưỡng có thể là người bạn thân, người mẹ hiền hay đứa con hiếu thảo... Để người bệnh không còn cảm thấy đơn độc, mặc cảm hay chán nản, tuyệt vọng mà ngược lại họ cảm thấy rất dể chịu, gần gủi, thân thiện. Có người hiểu và chia sẻ với mình nên không ngần ngại tiết lộ tâm tư, nguyện vọng những bí mật với người điều dưỡng. Từ đó người điều dưỡng kết hợp với kiến thức đã học và cho ra những nhận định chính xác dễ chẩn đoán úng và chẩn đoán ưu tiên đối với người bệnh. Thảo luận với đồng nghiệp lập kế hoạch và thực hiện kế hoạch chăm sóc, ghi nhận sự tiến triễn của người bệnh trong kế hoạch chăm sóc để đánh giá kết quả cuối cùng đạt được bằng các phản hồi về giao tiếp bằng lời hay không lời, các kêt quả mong đợi hay các thay đổi cho người bệnh để nhận định và chuẩn bị các bước giao tiếp trong qui trình tiếp theo

Bao nhiêu điểm thì xét tuyển ngành điều dưỡng được?

Với những tổ hợp môn xét tuyển như vậy, điểm trúng tuyển ngành Điều dưỡng của các trường có chênh lệch nhiều không? Điểm trúng tuyển năm 2016 của Đại học Y Dược TP.HCM, trường đại học uy tín trong đào tạo ngành Điều dưỡng, giữ vị trí cao nhất với 23.25 điểm, tiếp theo là trường Đại học Y Dược Cần Thơ với 22,75 điểm, Đại học Y Khoa Phạm Ngọc Thạch với 22 điểm....

Bên cạnh xét tuyển dựa vào điểm thi THPT Quốc gia,một số trường còn áp dụng thêm phương thức xét tuyển học bạ THPT, chẳng hạn, Đại học Công nghệ TP.HCM (HUTECH) xét tuyển học bạ THPT đối với kết quả học tập năm học lớp 12 của thí sinh. Điều kiện xét tuyển cụ thể là: tốt nghiệp THPT hoặc tương đương, tổng điểm 3 môn trong tổ hợp xét tuyển đạt từ 18 điểm trở lên.

Visit Vietnam and Laos

Maison d'Orient

12 rooms which feature bamboo furniture, red lacquer lamps and bamboo shades, as well as lively welcoming corners fully equipped with French colonial armchairs and inappropriate pretty cups and saucers named after spices including ginger, cinnamon, anise. Guests can be served breakfasts are right at smart lacquered square tables, and ginger tea on the ground floor terrace in the middle of a scattering of bright flower-full cushions. Once heading out to this hotel, you can easily get access to many best restaurants of Hanoi. How to catch a reliable taxi in Hanoi

Best street foods in Vientiane

Vientiane is capital city of Laos which is a peaceful place. If you want to find a place for a simple life and to stay away from the rush, Vientiane is not s bad choice. Moreover, with other culinary pleasures enchanting but if you do not try, as ever set foot here. If you plan a trip to Laos, you should try the best street foods here. BEST STREET FOOD IN VIENTIANE, LAOS

Khausoy

Khausoy famous dish Luang Prabang, look outside the same soup but simple ingredients and taste more delicious. Khausoy just boil and filter water for the city to enter blanching. Then they pour the soup into a bowl of water and add shallots, chili, spinach, pepper on top. Khausoy is the most important ingredient of this dish, made of minced pork mixed with garlic, tomatoes, spicy of all kinds.

Best street foods in Ha Giang, Vietnam

Ha Giang is a beautiful province in the north Vietnam. Besides, you will have a chance to try many unique foods here. All distinctions have created a food culture of the ethnic people and also it has created very attractive for tourists to Ha Giang. You can consider this list of best street food in Ha Giang to have great trip here.

Thang co

Thang co is a specialty in Ha Giang, bold culture of the highlands. Perhaps for each person visiting a border area of the country can not help but enjoy the unique cuisine of this, especially men list, enjoy the Thang co with delicious corn liquor unparalleled.

Au Co Yacht

Au Co Yacht is located at Bai Chay, Ha Long. It creates a new concept of security and the level of fleet activity on Halong Bay. With its impressive steel casing gives visitors a sense of refinement and luxury that most can not find in the other boat on Halong Bay.

Au Co Yacht

Each yacht has 32 spacious rooms, comfortable, each room has a private balcony completely dominated guests can enjoy the stunning panorama of Halong Bay.

Amazing adventure in Vietnam and Laos

Vietnam and Laos have many wonderful things to discover. This amazing adventure in Vietnam and Laos is sure to bring you the pleasant experience. It will take at least 6 days to explore some famous destinations from Vietnam to Laos.

Hanoi, Vietnam

The first day, you will arrive at Terminal T1, Noi Bai airport for flight VN ... / VJ ... Go Da Nang City. After landing at Danang airport, you move to the hotel to rest. You are free to visit some symbol of Danang: the Han River Bridge, Linh Ung Pagoda. Then have a dinner and take a short rest in hotel.

Where is Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is considered one of the attractive destinations for foreign tourists in Laos. Situated in the mountain of smoking pork, it is known by the tranquility and natural beauty has just magnificent. Luang Prabang is located in the north central Laos, which was the capital of a kingdom called Lan Xang (Million Elephants) in existence since 1346. Prior to 1975, Luang Prabang was the capital of the Kingdom of Laos, but now the province the new seat of the capital, 425km north of Vientiane. Each house here has kept modern architecture, tinged with moss. If you want to live in the slow life but charismatic, the former capital is the ideal choice for your vacation.

Best scoffee shop in Vietnam

Beach holiday in Vietnam

With more than 3,400 kilometers of whitewashed coastline against the rays of a tropical sun facing up the blue waters of the South China Sea, Vietnam has more than tens of long pristine sandy beaches available for tourists to choose from. Many beach resorts are still relatively desolated from tourism and remain their original beauty with small beautiful fishing villages and historical sites nearby to explore. Ranging from tranquil beach cottages to luxurious pool villas, all handpicked resorts here are ideal destinations where tourists can enjoy a lot of the many spa treatments available that Asia is so well known for. Combining a beach stay with one of these touring itineraries to make your holiday both fulfilling and rejuvenating is highly recommended. Tips for photographers at Chau Doc Floating Market


Paramount Coffee in Da Nang

Situated at number 100 Bach Dang Street, the Paramount Coffee which is designed with the airy top floor is an ideal place for you to come and watch people, boats and rafts on Han River. For those who love signing as well as watching many attractive adventurous films, the coffee film section is entirely suitable. If you want to admire the breathtaking river’s view while listening to very soft melody, this coffee shop is a perfect choice. Moreover, tourists can also buy a lovely souvenir for their friends in the gift shop at Paramount Coffee. The unique cuisine in Hoian

Ca Phe Pho Co in Hanoi

Located at number 11 Hang Gai, Hanoi, Ca Phe Pho Co which starts out as a souvenir shop and then turns into someone’s aging home, is a simple café where you can look out over a current of scooter traffic and across Hoan Kiem Lake after you have wound your way up various narrow staircases.

The coffee’s standard and the café areas are infinitesimal and simple with plastic chairs coming with aluminum tables. But what really attracts tourists to come here is the short distance from busy street to coffee table, which takes you on an amazing tour passing by three different worlds.


Bep Truong (Chef) coffee shop in Hoi An

Situated at 166 Tran Phu Street, Bep Truong coffee shop is one of the most popular coffee shops to both local people and foreign tourists in Hoi An. Bep Truong is not only a coffee shop, a restaurant but also one of the largest bookstores in Hoi An. Being space for coffee with comfortable seats, the second floor of the shop is an ideal place for both reading books and enjoying coffee. You can buy a variety of headings of book from the ground floor.


CAFE GAC HOA in Saigon

Situated at number 92 Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street in district 3 and can be accessed from Trung Quyen Street, the “flower cafe” is nestle down a small alley. Unlike many of the smoky cafes in Ho Chi Minh City, the convenient position of this shop above a flower shop ensures the atmosphere here clean and floral. The lovely, wooden three-story cavern-like attic cafe that is handmade and delicate makes tourists feel like being in a rural antique shop. The place definitely has a womanish feel to it. The latte at 54,000 VND / $2.75 has acceptable standard. The coffee shop is much suitable for being a place to relax and chat with friends, rather than work.

Things to do in Mekong river

RV Jahan cruise
Launched in 2010, the RV Jahan cruise is the newest member of the Mekong River Boat Collection, and a baby brother to the famous Jayavarman containing 26 cabins at 4-star standard. The new flagship Jahan Cruise brings river cruising on the Mekong River into a new territory. The singular feelings of a luxury boutique hotel, the relaxing pace of a river cruise and the great opportunity to gain many new useful experiences, are some of many characteristics of Jayavarman. Tips for photographers at Chau Doc Floating Market
Jahan cruise
With the capacity of maximum 48 guests at the same time, Jahan is a luxury riverboat providing by far the best accommodation on the Mekong River. Nothing can be compared with her beautifully decorated staterooms with many convenient services and food available. Launched in 2011, Jahan is one of the top vessels on the Mekong Delta that features a personal balcony in every cabin as well as the ship’s public areas offering an elegant beauty. Shopping experience in Yangon
La Marguerite
With the elegant setting for the unlimited river cruise through two exotic countries, Vietnam and Cambodia, this vessel is a boutique five-star floating hotel suitable to travel along the beautiful Mekong River. With the help of all the staffs who have comprehensive knowledge of the region you will have a chance to know about cultural traditions and customs while being able to take part in as many activities as you wish.

Relax in the tranquil and comfortable air-conditioned lounges and on the Sun Deck of the vessel while enjoying the magnificent views they offer, be amused with a variety of games, free wireless internet access in certain areas, DVDs and music or cherish yourself in the stunning spa or work out in the fitness centre are many activities to keep you comfortable all the time.

Le Cochinchine cruises
Elegantly designed and fully equipped, the amazing Le Cochinchine cruises offer a unique and perfect way to discover the endless waterways of Mekong River and Mekong Delta with all of the convenient cabins. Travel onboard and make your dream of visiting Vietnam come true.

Containing three boats titled Le Cochinchine No.1, no.2 and no.3 separately the Cochinchine cruises are able to accommodate for your trip to Halong Bay. Le Cochinchine 2 that is a modern and tastefully designed river boat makes a good impression on all of guests. Measuring approximately 30 meters in length from bow to poop and owning two 420 HP engines Le Cochinchine 2 is a very powerful and safe river vessel built in traditional style.
Mango Cruises in Mekong Delta
For overnight cruise, the vessel offers three sampans including: Sampan Bougainvillea, Sampan Frangipani and Mango Junk/ Lily May. All the cabins here are 22 meters in length by 4.5 meters in width capable of accommodating 6 people at maximum. Each cabin contains a front room where you can enjoy the spectacular views of this land, Master Bedroom with air condition, private bathroom fully equipped with bathtub, living room together with 2 bedrooms included an air condition and an open dining area off the back. All of them are at high standard to ensure to bring you the best services.
With many years experience in providing wonderful cruises on the Mekong Delta, our Indochina Voyages is proud to bring you unforgettable journey on the Mango Cruises at fair price.

Central Myanmar and Bagan travel

The central plains – the arid lands between the Ayeyarwady River in the west and the Shan hills to the east – have seen many kingdoms rise and fall, including that of the Pyu who were the earliest inhabitants of Myanmar for whom records exist. The ruins of Thayekhittaya, close to the busy trading town of Pyay, still hint at the grandeur of the Pyu dynasty, which was at its peak from the fifth to ninth centuries. The mighty sixteenth-century dynasty based further east in the town of Taungoo, on the other hand, left fewer tangible traces but the town is still a rewarding place to spend a day or two exploring off the tourist trail. The same cannot be said of the military junta’s twenty-first-century stab at a “royal capital”, which is the literal translation of Nay Pyi Taw. Tours Indochina Myanmar
Certainly the new capital has nothing to compare to Bagan, but then again few places in the world can offer a spectacle as breathtaking as its vast stupa and temple-strewn plain. In the eleventh century, King Anawrahta of Bagan became the first to unite the lands that now form Myanmar, and today the legacy of his embrace of Theravada Buddhism exerts a stronger influence on tourist imaginations than anywhere else in the country.
Bagan
Holding the same standards as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan ranks among the greatest wonders of the world in Myanmar. Bagan gains fame for over 2,000 awe-inspiring pagodas. When you arrive at this wonder, you can feast the eyes with thousands of hundreds-year-old religious structures. The name Bagan itself means “the City of the Enemy Crusher”. Tours in Myanmar

What to Write in a Memo about Bagan, Myanmar
Settled on the dry central plains on the eastern bank of Ayeyarwady River, Bagan city is pictured with numerous ancient stupas and temples from most of its corners. Such feature makes Bagan one of the most noteworthy archaeological sites in Myanmar and the whole Asia. In the Southeast Asian contexts, this ancient city of Myanmar is one of the most significant religious sites. The tourists coming to this ancient city will never forget the wonderful view of the brick temples against the background of the expansive plains. The city is about 50 miles southwest of Mandalay.
At the center of Bagan, there stand numerous ancient temples and buildings that were constructed from the 11th to the 13th century. It is reported that most of the temples were built by the ancient Kings as well as the leaders of Burma. As time passes, Bagan is blessed with thousands of impressive temples – the major highlights of the land to win the tourists’ interest.
People agree that Bagan in Myanmar is dotted with many mind-blowing temples. The view of the city becomes utterly mysterious when you spread the eyes over many holy spires rising through the mist. Once again, Bagan is on par with Angkor Wat of Cambodia. And even when Angkor is featured with the valuable “buried in the jungle” trail for adventure, the charm of Bagan is matchless. Thousands of temples and pagodas in Bagan seem to be unobstructed.
You can enjoy sitting on the hotels’ balcony and look towards the holy silence made up by the gleaming spires and the valley around. Coming to Bagan, the tourists can choose to stay in the old city walls or in the new town. Please note that they new town has the lively market as well as the tea shop culture.
Monywa
Monywa has long held a top position in the list of the best destinations in Myanmar. People think of Monywa as the land of the standing Buddha and the golden pagodas. Trust us, many tourists have experienced the satisfactory Myanmar Tours in Monywa and shared their unique experiences with the whole world. Draw your focus on the outstanding name of Monywa, Myanmar!
How Can The Monywa Tourist Attractions Win Your Interest?
Monywa City is situated in Sagaing Region, just about 136km northwest of Mandalay, on the eastern bank of the River Chindwin. Due to the industry developing around the town, the city ignites the more dynamic feel than any other central region in Myanmar. The land is full of the lively markets while the main streets become animated at the night. The vibrant atmosphere is made up of many beer stations and food stalls.
Thanboddhay Pagoda (also known as Thambuddhei Paya) is the colorful and uniquely stylish pagoda that stores more than 500,000 Buddha images. Also, the spectacular pagoda is characterized with hundreds of the golden spires. For the scenic views of the pagoda and the bordering plains, you can get into the beautiful watchtower on the monastery with ease.
Furthermore, move to the site of Bodhi Tataung Laykyun Sekkya Standing Buddha Statue. The impressively religious statue is 129m in height (including the pedestal). It is measured as the world’s second tallest Buddha statue. The first time you encounter the site, you will be amazed at its magnificence. The wonderful statue is set at the back of the huge religious structures that feature the Bodhi trees, gardens housing many sitting Buddha statues and a gigantic 95-metre long reclining Buddha lying in front of the Laykyun Sekkya.
Also feast your eyes with the special depictions of Buddhist teachings inside the religious sites. The warning images of depravity and the penalty of the evil-doers, etc., urge people to do the good things in life. Plus, the tourists can climb some floors to find many inspiring alarming pictures drawn in the sense of Buddha teachings.
What’s more, Hpo Win Daung Caves are worth visiting. Just about 25km west of Monywa, you find the complex of 947 caves that were created between 14th and 18th century. Inside the caves, there lie hundreds of the Buddha images and the ornate mural paintings. Interestingly, the caves are where the Hpo Win Duang Festival is celebrated in November. It is the biggest festival in Monywa city.
Ledi Kyaungteik Monastery is another attraction to visit. Here, you find many Buddhist scriptures that have been inscribed on up to 806 stone slabs. Besides, the Kyaukka Village is also famous for the exceptional style of lacquerware.

Con market - Da Nang food guide

Con market - Da Nang food guide
"Exploring Vietnam" is part of my vacation series recap. If you're just tuning in, you can catch up here: Vietnam Trip Recap.

Most tourists visit Da Nang to lay out on the beach along the coast. I wanted to explore the food, so we stayed in the city center where no tourists were in sight. Da Nang is a big city to explore (it's Vietnam's third largest city) and our visit was very short, so there were many parts we were not exposed to. Centre Vietnam travel tours

I explored most of Da Nang solo because Patrick was still suffering from food poisoning from Hoi An. For having no sense of direction, I think I did quite well by not getting lost.
Dang Nang - City Center - Review
Da Nang Vietnam Experience - Bites & Bourbon
Initially, I noticed a lot of locals hanging out at coffee shops and shopping at modern boutiques, mostly catered to the younger generation. There are tons of mobile phone and motorcycle shops at almost every corner. With the exception of a couple of Buddhist temples, I was bored out of my mind and found the city culture to be quite sterile and bland. It wasn't until I stumbled upon a heavily populated outdoor market that my experience turned into an exciting one.
Con Market - Da Nang Vietnam Experience - Bites & Bourbon
The Con Market - Da Nang
THE CON MARKET (CHỢ CỒN)

A friend recently told me a very dirty joke that is too inappropriate to share here (message me if you really want to know), but the hidden meaning behind the joke is when you smell something unpleasantly fishy, you know you're in Da Nang. Once I entered the market, my sense of smell was punched by the aroma of fermented fish called mam, a specialty in this area of Vietnam. Bun mam, anyone? There was no escaping it, but I didn't mind because it's a smell that I am familiar with being surrounded by Vietnamese food all my life. Mekong river tours Vietnam

This market had no tourists in sight and not a word of English spoken. Even with a camera around my neck, I blended in with the locals, which is a good thing because I get charged "local" prices. It was so busy and crowded that no one noticed me taking photos of everything in sight - including them.
Con Market - Da Nang Vietnam Experience - Bites & Bourbon
You'll find almost anything here from vegetables to housewares to wholesale clothing. I was really impressed by the vast range of specialty food options and the plethora of fresh seafood and meats available at the Con Market. You can get every form of offal butchered in front of you.

THE CON MARKET'S FOOD HALL

I was in paradise the moment I discovered the food hall.  There's a lot of options to choose from and each spot was filled with happy eaters. I struggled a bit on where to start, but luckily I was able to get by with my limited reading capabilities.
Con Market - Da Nang
You can see that the seats are counter-style, surrounding the stalls. If a place is full, it's likely that a seat will open up quickly because Vietnamese people eat efficiently with little to no room for chit-chat. I know this from first-hand experience and through observation.
Con Market - Da Nang Vietnam Experience - Bites & Bourbon
The food hall is not an attractive place to eat, but I didn't mind and thought it was quite charming. When the food is in front of my face, I could care less about what my surroundings look like.

Con market - Da Nang food guide

THE LIFE-CHANGING BANH BEO
Con Market - Da Nang Vietnam Experience - Bites & Bourbon
Banh beo is one of my favorite Central Vietnamese dishes. I grew up making and eating banh beo a lot with my mom, so when I found this place I immediately took a seat and told the sweet owner to give me the special plate.

For only 20,000 VND ($1), I was able to get not only banh beo, but a whole lot of other things that were on my Da Nang's "have to eat" list. Let me break this incredible dish down for you:

Banh beo - small steamed rice cakes with a dimple inside, filled with savory ingredients including dried shrimp, scallions, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, and oil.
Banh bot loc - transparent dumplings filled with shrimp and pork belly - my absolute favorite Vietnamese dumpling.
Banh uot - thin pancake wrapper consisting of rice noodle sheets.
Cha heo - pork patty (similar to what you'd get in a banh mi).
Nem chua - a sweet, sour, salty and spicy fermented pork sausage

Banh Beo - Con Market - Da Nang Vietnam Experience - Bites & Bourbon
[Click Photos to Enlarge]

Seriously. All of this for only $1?! This dish alone made the entire Da Nang visit worth it. If you ever find yourself at the Con Market, be sure to visit Thu Ha at Lô 23/Đình 15A - Chợ Cồn. It is truly life changing.

Mua Vu Lan – Mother’s Day in Vietnam

Mua Vu Lan – Mother’s Day in Vietnam

Westerners have Mothers’ Day to be proud of, the Vietnamese treasure their seventh full moon of lunar calendar ("Mua Vu Lan") as a time to express filial piety to their parents, especially their gratefulness and appreciation to their mother. Vietnam travel tours

Annually, Vietnamese children honor their parents and try to help the lost souls of their ancestors find their way back to earth.

“Mua Vu Lan” is closely connected to the Asian tradition of ancestor worship and filial piety. It is also known as the Buddhist holiday, a traditional event in praise of motherly love held solemnly once a year in Vietnam. Paradise Cruise Halong

What does the legend really mean?

The legend behind the festival dates back to the earliest of Buddhism. One day when he was meditating, Muc Kien Lien, one of the Buddha's ten principle disciples, saw his late mother suffering the tortures of hell, condemned because of the evil deeds she had committed during her life.PANDAW CRUISE

He saw that his mother was starving, but she had nothing to eat but fire. Muc Kien Lien summoned all his spiritual powers to bring her a bowl of rice - but the food was burnt to ash before she could bring it to her mouth.

Mua Vu Lan – Mother’s Day in Vietnam

When he arrived back in the physical world, he asked for the Buddha’s guidance to help his mother and fulfill his duty as a pious son. The Buddha advised him to collect a gathering of monks and devotees and get them to pray together on this day (which this year falls on August 15 in the Western calendar).

The combined prayers proved to be so powerful that they achieved the release not only of Muc Kien Lien’s mother, but also for countless other souls. Ever since, on the festival of Vu Lan - Wandering Soul’s Day- the gates of hell are believed to be thrown open to give the tormented souls 24 hour holiday.

A solemn sharing

“Mua Vu Lan” is believed to be the spirit month in Vietnamese culture as a way of honoring the dead. On this day, souls are believed to return to their former homes.

From this assembly, many Buddhist countries developed the custom of offering food, clothing and other items to hungry spirits in the month when the realms of Heaven, Hell and the living are open.

The object of this ceremony is to feed the hungry ghosts and to pray for their salvation. This ceremony is a way for people to meet their compassionate filial duty. During the ceremony, offerings are made to rescue up to seven generations of ancestors from whatever misery they might be suffering. During the month, every family can choose a day to present a feast and burn joss paper and incense in front of the house to invite the spirits to eat.

The most distinguished feature of the ceremony is the “offering snatching.” After the incense burns down, the neighborhood children are allowed to grab the food. No one will stop them as it is believed the spirits may be angered if they do so. The ceremony is also a great chance for people to express their gratitude to their parents.

One more tradition of this day is for people – Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike – who wish to express their gratefulness and appreciation towards their mothers, to go to a pagoda, often wearing a rose. Thousands of people flock to pagodas wearing red roses if their parents are alive or white roses if their parents have passed away. The rose has been a symbol of love and sharing among parents and their children regardless of social background.

Modern view

“This festival is a chance for guilty homeless spirits to be pardoned. People worship ghosts and release animals, such as birds or fish,” said My Ngoc, a university student living in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. I am going to the pagoda this year to pray for my mother because we are miles apart. My mother is living in my hometown in the central province of Binh Dinh. I always think of her,” Ngoc said.

“Although nowadays the youth live faster and are becoming more unfamiliar with traditional values, they still deeply love and respect their parents,” visitor Duc Phong said as he strolled around Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the most famous Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City. “That’s why many youngsters visit pagodas and present their parents with flowers on this day,” Phong said.

Visitor Minh Thuan said: “The festival is no longer exclusively for Buddhists but an occasion for everyone to express their love to their parents. This cultural trait has not faded over time but become more and more diversified.”