- Jul 10, 2025
What gifts you should avoid during Vietnamese Ghost Month?
You might think the Ghost Month is all about "taboos," but it's actually a time to honor ancestors. However, choosing inappropriate gifts requires careful consideration - the problem is that many "harmless" gifts can actually make recipients feel uncomfortable.
From clocks and mirrors to fresh flowers, each has its own "sensitive points" according to Vietnamese traditional beliefs.
Understanding and respecting these beliefs isn't superstition - it's cultural sensitivity.
So how do you choose gifts that are both meaningful and "safe" during this special month?
Choosing appropriate gifts during Ghost Month requires cultural sensitivity and understanding
Why should you be careful when giving gifts during Ghost Month?
According to Vietnamese folk beliefs, Ghost Month is when wandering souls return to the earthly realm. People believe that doing inappropriate things during this time might bring bad luck. This isn't superstition but rather a spiritual cultural tradition passed down through generations, making it important to understand which gifts to avoid to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings.
According to Dr. Duong Hoang Loc - Director of the Religious Studies Center at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), in the religious culture of many Asian countries including Vietnam, the seventh lunar month has various names:
- Season of pardoning the deceased: Time to pray for wandering souls
- Vu Lan Festival: Remembering the gratitude to parents and ancestors
- Mid-Autumn Festival: An important worship occasion of the year
What's important is that respecting these beliefs helps maintain harmony in relationships, especially with people who hold traditional values. Cultural researcher Pham Dinh Hai notes that worship ceremonies must be sincere, meaning truly remembering, mourning, and praying for the souls to find peace and liberation.
The seventh lunar month is a sacred time to remember ancestors and loved ones
>>> Read more: When is the Ghost Month in 2025? Complete calendar guide
Gifts you should avoid during Vietnamese Ghost Month
1. Clocks - Symbol of passing time
In Vietnamese folk beliefs, clocks are often associated with "countdown" or meanings about decline. Many people, especially older generations, might feel uncomfortable receiving this gift during Ghost Month.
Alternative choice: Instead of clocks, you can give beautiful desk calendars or elegantly designed notebooks. These gifts are both practical and carry positive meanings about recording memorable moments.
Clocks might make recipients think of negative meanings in traditional culture
2. Mirrors - "Reflecting" objects
Mirrors in folk beliefs are often associated with "reflecting" invisible things, which is particularly sensitive during Ghost Month. Giving mirrors might make recipients feel anxious, so they're considered among the gifts to avoid according to traditional psychology.
Alternative choice: A beautiful landscape painting or calligraphy with lucky wishes will create a much more positive atmosphere. This is also a way to decorate homes that fits Vietnamese spirit.
Mirrors have long been considered mystical objects in folk psychology
3. Fresh flowers - Quick withering
Fresh flowers are beautiful but have the characteristic of wilting quickly. During Ghost Month, giving things that are "not lasting" is usually avoided as it might evoke unwanted associations.
Alternative choice: A small green plant like lucky bamboo, peacock tail, or snake plant would be an excellent choice. According to beliefs, these plants are both beautiful and bring good luck while being easy to care for.
Green plants bring positive energy and life to living spaces
4. Sharp objects - "Cutting" luck
Knives, scissors, or any sharp utensils are believed to potentially "cut" luck and relationships according to beliefs common in many Asian cultures. They're often listed among gifts to avoid according to folk beliefs.
Alternative choice: If you want to give kitchen items, choose objects with round shapes like tea sets, bowls, or rice cookers. These are practical gifts that carry meanings of unity and togetherness.
Kitchen items with round shapes carry meanings of unity and togetherness
5. Black clothing - Gloomy colors
Black clothing during Ghost Month often evokes gloomy feelings, not suitable for an atmosphere that needs peace and good luck. Especially older people might feel uncomfortable.
Alternative choice: Choose clothing in bright colors like orange, yellow, green, or pink. These colors create cheerful feelings and are suitable for welcoming good fortune.
Bright colors create cheerful feelings and bring good luck
6. Antiques - Unknown past origins
Antiques, despite their artistic value, often carry "stories" from previous owners. During Ghost Month, this might make recipients worry about their origins.
Alternative choice: Instead of antiques, give new handmade products made by local artisans. Handmade gifts are both unique and carry positive energy, fitting the trend of supporting Vietnamese products.
Handmade products carry positive energy and unique characteristics
7. Black leather bags and wallets - Gifts to avoid according to folk psychology
Black leather bags or wallets during Ghost Month often evoke gloomy feelings and might make recipients feel uncomfortable. Especially for people with traditional mindsets, black is considered inappropriate during this time.
Alternative choice: Choose bags or wallets in bright colors like brown, burgundy red, or pastel tones. These colors are both fashionable and bring positive feelings.
Gifts to avoid during Ghost Month should be avoided to maintain harmony
>>> Read more: Why do Vietnamese people still avoid Ghost Month?
Popular gifts during Vietnamese Ghost Month
Health foods and beverages
Following 2025 consumer trends, Vietnamese people prioritize health-focused products. This year's Ghost Month sees health-conscious gifts strongly "rising," replacing traditional gifts to avoid.
Tea and detox drinks are becoming top choices for many families. Vietnamese believe these drinks are not only good for health but also carry spiritual cleansing meanings.
- Thai Nguyen jasmine green tea - Gentle jasmine fragrance combined with delicate green tea flavor, both relaxing and nutritious
- Green tea latte powder - Suitable for those who want to enjoy tea conveniently and modernly
- Nam Dinh plum green tea vinegar - Specialty with traditional Bach Coc village recipe, both body-cleansing and culturally meaningful
Nutritious nuts are equally popular. During Ghost Month, people believe these natural foods bring positive energy to both givers and recipients.
- Vietnamese white cashew kernels - Considered the world's best, rich in nutrients
- Coconut & cashew energy bars - Completely natural ingredients, convenient for busy lifestyles
- Tropical nut mix - Combining multiple nutritious nuts in one product
Herbal tea brewed in traditional clay teapots creates rich flavors
Lucky feng shui items
During Ghost Month, people believe light-creating objects ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Instead of just buying traditional salt and lighters, there are now more modern and sophisticated choices to avoid inappropriate gifts.
Feng shui scented candles not only create light but also bring pleasant fragrances, helping balance energy in living spaces. This is the perfect combination of spirituality and modern aesthetics.
- Scented candles - Unique vanilla and cigar scents, helping balance space energy
- Zodiac candles - In reusable glass cups, both beautiful and practical
- Lavender essential oil candles - With lavender and ginger essential oils, not only fragrant but also therapeutic
Scented candle gift sets are becoming the hottest trend this Ghost Month. These gifts are elegantly packaged, suitable for special occasions.
- White-toned scented candle gift box - Including candle jar and natural wax sachets decorated with elegant dried flowers
- Customizable message candles - Unique personalized gifts with wood wicks creating relaxing crackling sounds
Lit scented candles in cozy spaces create relaxing atmospheres
Spiritual and relaxation gifts
In the age of toxic productivity, gifts that help relax the mind are increasingly valued and become perfect replacements for inappropriate gifts during this special month.
Health care gift sets are being chosen by many as a way to show genuine care for loved ones. These gifts have not only material value but also deep spiritual meaning.
- Relaxation gift box - Herbal relaxation pillow, combining aromatherapy and heat therapy for peaceful feelings
- Handmade crochet hair ties - Small but meaningful gifts, replacing single-use plastic ties and decorated with adorable hearts
Relaxation beverages are also popular choices, especially herbal teas that care for health from within.
- Rose tea and goji berry tea - Especially good for women, helping balance hormones and beautify skin
- Mango leaf tea - Prevents aging, rich in natural vitamin C
- Ginger tea - Helps soothe menstrual pain and boost immunity
This year's Ghost Month, instead of just focusing on "warding off bad luck," modern Vietnamese are turning toward gifts with practical value, both spiritually meaningful and improving daily life quality. This is the "mindful giving" trend - conscious gift-giving, suitable for the sustainable lifestyle young generations are pursuing.
Relaxation corner with herbal drinks and books creates peaceful spaces in the soul
How to give gifts skillfully during Ghost Month
Timing and methods
The best time to give gifts is during the early or late days of the lunar month, avoiding the 15th (full moon) and 30th as these are considered special days. Understanding which gifts to avoid also helps you plan more thoughtfully.
Choose morning or afternoon for gift-giving, avoid evening. Include good wishes and avoid mentioning unlucky things.
Appropriate gift wrapping
Use wrapping paper in bright colors like red, yellow, pink, or orange. Avoid black, white, or dark blue. Paying attention to packaging colors shows sophistication and respect for traditional culture.
Gift boxes carefully wrapped with red paper and yellow ribbons bring good luck
Conclusion
CHUS hopes that through this article, you now understand which gifts to avoid during Vietnamese Ghost Month and how to choose appropriate gifts that respect Vietnamese traditional culture.
Mastering this knowledge helps us show cultural respect and sophistication in communication while avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings. What matters most is still the sincere feelings of the giver, combined with understanding traditions to create gifts that are both meaningful and reassuring.
Discover more useful information about traditional culture and buy meaningful gifts for your loved ones at CHUS.
FAQs
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Why do people avoid giving fresh flowers during the Ghost Month, even though flowers are a common gift?
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Are all black-colored gifts considered bad during the Ghost Month?
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What kind of modern gifts are safe to give during the Ghost Month?
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Why do people avoid giving fresh flowers during the Ghost Month, even though flowers are a common gift?
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Are all black-colored gifts considered bad during the Ghost Month?
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What kind of modern gifts are safe to give during the Ghost Month?
