It has been a tradition for our family to visit the temple on New Year’s Day. My sisters came down from NYC to tum boun (merit making) for our mom, it has been 5 years since her passing. The normal service time is at 9:30am and we got there before the service, a few joined in to make merit for their deceased loved ones.
The monks performed the ceremony of bungsakoun for our mom and another couple’s relative, which is a merit transferring to deceased loved ones.
According to 2012 Chinese Horoscope prediction, the year 2012 is Water Dragon Year. Dragon mainly contains Earth. Earth and Water are opposite elements. It sounds that some bad news will continue to arrive. Some people have predicted the Doomsday on December 21, 2012 after interpreting the ending of the Great Cycle of the Mayan Calendar. Mayans say that this whole cycle of civilization 5,125 years comes to an end on the Winter Solstice, 2012. In China, there is no prediction about the end of the world in 2012. Conversely, hundreds of years ago, a prophet said China will become prosperous and peaceful in 2012.
We had a good turnout this year, and it is a good sign that this will be a good year.
This is an interesting Alms’ bowl. She is very thoughtful in her offering and also includes an envelope of money as many Buddhist worshipers offer money to monks and temple on special occasion. The money offering to the individual monk is called Pud Jai, it goes to the monk and not the temple.
Alms giving
Food offering to the monks.
Nye Noona 
Nice way to start a new year… My folks went to the temple also, but I didn’t get a chance to join them. It must be cold there already, cause you guys tuk bard inside.
Seeharhed, it is cold in NC and we have to offer Alms inside during this time. I like to visit the temple during the New Year, it’s a peaceful place and the smells of incense is very soothing to me. I think it is good for your soul, but I know some people think it is stink. 🙂
I live in Southern Vietnam, a neighboring country of Lao. Perhaps we somehow share an South-East Asia tradition so i feel close to what you have posted, especially about Buddhism. I also find my peace whenever entering a temple or a pagoda and have an unshakeable belief in Buddhism although my family traditional religion is Caodaism.
P/S: My English is rather bad, hope you dont mind. ^^
Hi quoctruong308, thanks for your visit and comment. Your English is pretty good btw. I didn’t know what Caodaism and had to look it up and see that we do share some of the beliefs. It is fortunate that we have a Buddhist temple to attend in the US and I’m like you find my peace when entering the temple.
I love going to Buddhist temples, especially Lao wats. I love seeing all the beautiful buddha sculptures and artworks, and seeing the monks, they all look so peaceful and comforting. And sharing lao food at wats after the monks have eaten is the best, because it is often the most delicious food that is offered to the monks, and the food has been blessed.
Hi Ngeun, there is a sense of calmness at the Buddhist temples, which I can also feel when visiting a church as well. It must be the presence of holiness and I’m thankful that we have a Buddhist Temple in our area. We have a Lao New Year coming up and I’m looking forward to that. I also love the beautiful Buddha sculptures and artworks. I came across a video of Buddha carving in Vietnam that you might like to watch.