Yesterday afternoon, Nick, the girls and I were invited to celebrate Vietnamese New Year with our friend Nena and her family in their home. There was an alter set up for the deceased and I brought a picture of my Grandma (for those of you who don’t know me all that well, she was like a second mother to me) to place upon it.
“The Vietnamese believe that their deceased ancestors will visit the family for the holiday. Alters are decorated in the homes with incense, flowers, and photographs of deceased relatives. A tray full of fruit, coins, and a tall vase of blossoms are placed in front of the alter symbolizing good luck and prosperity”
Nena came up to me while I placing my Grandma’s picture on the alter and told me about her beloved deceased relatives and the ritual. I felt my tears coming, as her words were so full of love, comforting and true to my soul. I will never forget this day and the words that she spoke to me.
