Some people consider this a religion in itself, but whatever religion is believed; almost every house has an ancestral altar. This is based on belief that after death a soul lives on to protect its descendants, so utmost respect must be given.
This table/altar is attended to regularly with fresh flowers, fruits, cups of wine, water etc and will also contain photographs of the deceased (often the photos are when the person was young). Countless generations of Vietnamese hold important ceremonies to worship their ancestors and deceased relatives as part of their spiritual lifestyle.
These are held at ‘Tet’ festival (Lunar New Year) and other special festivals, the death anniversary dates and the 1st and 15th day of the lunar month.
At these times it is important to prepare special food to give as an offering, burn joss sticks and pray to the deceased, also the burning paper items (votive’s), to send to the dead.