Catholic communities across Vietnam traditionally spend the whole of May — the “month of flowers” — showing deep devotion to Mother Mary.
On the first day, Saturdays and the last day of May, they beautifully decorate Marian altars with flowers, candles and electric lamps. They carry altars and march in procession around churches and villages, reciting the Rosary, singing hymns and playing drums and saxophones. Children in costumes perform traditional dances offering flowers in front of Marian statues.
In many places, people gather to pray in front of decorated altars of Mother Mary at people’s houses each evening. They share joy and sadness with one another and have tea, coffee and food provided by hosts.
The traditions of Marian devotion date back hundreds of years.
Photos by a ucanews.com reporter