What is a lipstick tray? Meaning of lipstick tray in Vietnamese culture

Lipstick trays are an indispensable part of the cultural and spiritual life of Vietnamese people. This is not only an item used to display offerings but also has a deep symbolic meaning, associated with respect, gratitude and the wish for luck and prosperity. So what is a lipstick tray and what role does it play in traditional rituals? Let's find out details through the article below.

What is a Lipstick?

Mam son tray is a type of tray or tray often painted red or yellow, used to arrange and present offerings in Vietnamese rituals. The red color of the lipstick tray symbolizes prosperity, auspiciousness and luck, while the “tray” refers to fullness and prosperity.

Depending on the region and each ritual, lipstick trays can be made from materials such as wood, bronze, or even painted with gold, expressing solemnity and sacredness.

The Meaning of Lipstick in Vietnamese Culture

Lipstick Tray Symbolizes Prosperity

The red color of lipstick is associated with images of happiness, luck and fortune. On special occasions such as weddings or Lunar New Year, lipstick trays are used to pray for good things, prosperity and fulfillment.

Showing Respect to Ancestors

Lipstick trays often appear in death anniversary rituals or traditional festivals. This is a way for descendants to express gratitude to their ancestors, showing respect for original values.

Connecting Families and Communities

During major holidays, lipstick trays not only have spiritual meaning but also play a role in connecting generations and creating solidarity in the family and community.

The Role of Lipsticks in Traditional Rituals

Lipstick tray at the wedding ceremony

During the wedding ceremony, lipstick trays are used to display bride gifts such as betel and areca nuts, tea, wine, and spousal cakes. This is a symbol of harmony and blessings for the couple.

Tet Lipstick Tray

During Tet, lipstick trays are often used to display fruits, banh chung, banh tet and offerings to ancestors. This not only shows gratitude but also means wishing for a happy and prosperous new year.

Mother's Tray During the Death Anniversary Worship Ceremony

The lipstick tray in the death anniversary ceremony is used to arrange offerings such as flowers, incense, lamps and traditional dishes, expressing respect to ancestors.

Lipstick Trays During Festivals

At traditional festivals such as village communal house festivals, peace praying ceremonies, lipstick trays are symbols of solemnity, praying for a good harvest and peace.

How to Prepare a Lipstick Correctly

To prepare a suitable lipstick tray, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

Choose the Right Tray: Lipstick trays should be made from sturdy materials and have elegant colors. Depending on the scale of the ceremony, choose the appropriate tray size.

Present Your Offerings Carefully: Offerings need to be arranged in a balanced manner, avoiding clutter. For example, fruits should be chosen fresh and clean; The incense burner should be placed in a central position.

Ensuring Spiritual Meaning: Each item on the tray needs to have a meaning appropriate to the ritual being performed, ensuring feng shui elements and harmony.

The lipstick tray is not only a ceremonial item but also a typical cultural symbol of the Vietnamese people. It shows respect for ancestors, desire for a peaceful life and solidarity between family and community members. Preserving the cultural value of lipstick trays is the way for us to maintain and promote national identity in modern life.