Comparison on filial piety on Vu Lan festival in Vietnam and China

Abstract

Comparing thoughts on holidays and culture is a fundamental research method, especially for highlighting and clarifying the similarities and differences in the ideologies of two different cultures. This article uses this method to analyze the concept of filial piety during the Vu Lan festival in Vietnam and China. The Buddhist concept of filial piety, particularly during the Vu Lan festival, primarily involves repaying parents' gratitude and performing good deeds. Its essence includes filial piety, respect, and responsibility between children and parents. This concept spread to Vietnam and China early on and grew alongside other Buddhist theories. Filial piety is considered a prerequisite for evaluating a person's character in society. Confucians also regard filial virtue as fundamental. However, to truly grasp the nature of filial piety during the Vu Lan festival, it is essential to delve into the differences and similarities between the two cultures. The article aims to help Chinese language learners understand more about the similarities and differences in the concept of filial piety during the Vu Lan festival in Vietnam and China.