Brian Jeffrey
Long lines formed as many waited over an hour to receive sacred offerings.
The Jade Emperor Pagoda, established in the early 1900s by Luu Minh, a Cantonese immigrant, is one of Saigon’s most iconic temples. It gained global prominence following a visit from former U.S. President Barack Obama in May 2016.
In Vietnamese tradition, the eighth day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to star worship, the ninth honors celestial gods, and the tenth is reserved for the Earth God.
This cultural practice draws large crowds to Phuoc Hai Pagoda on the ninth day of the lunar calendar as worshippers seek the blessings of the Jade Emperor.
Inside the main hall, the space was filled with devotees engaged in prayer and offerings. To limit smoke, the temple advised attendees to opt for candles over incense.
A key highlight during the blessing ceremony involves devotees pouring oil into sacred lamps. Worshippers take turns filling lamps with cooking oil while vocalizing their names and desires, symbolizing hopes for a successful year ahead.
After their prayers, many collected charms, fortune slips, and protective talismans, believing these items would bring them divine favor and prosperity.
Typically, offerings to the Jade Emperor, referred to as “Luc Le” (Six Ritual Offerings), include incense, candles, flowers, and fruits.
Pham Thang from Cu Chi noted that he waited an hour to receive blessed oranges and an oil lamp to take home. “My family and I prioritize visiting the pagoda each year to gather blessings for a fortunate new year,” he shared.
Due to the heavy turnout, the pagoda limited each person to lighting just one incense stick to minimize smoke and prevent fire risks.
Many office workers utilized their lunch breaks to visit, offering quick prayers before returning to their jobs.
My Ngoc, 24, and her colleagues traveled from District 7 to District 1 to partake in the ceremonies. “The crowd was overwhelming even at noon. We were completely soaked with sweat waiting in line,” she remarked.
As the day went on, the entrances and pathways of the pagoda remained crowded, while stalls selling spiritual items experienced high sales.
Kim Xuyen from Thu Duc City mentioned, “I always buy prayer beads and lucky charms at the beginning of the year for good luck.”
To maintain order and safety, security personnel were positioned throughout the pagoda, advising visitors to follow the lines, move with the traffic flow, and keep their prayers concise.
For many, the Jade Emperor blessing ceremony serves not only as a spiritual observance but also as a moment to express gratitude to the divine and ancestors, wishing for a prosperous and harmonious year to come.
