Tổ Tiên nói: 'Năm Ất Tỵ sợ nhất là 29 ngày tháng Chạp', tháng Chạp có gì mà sợ?

The twelfth lunar month, the last month of the year, always evokes feelings of anxiety, caution, and vigilance. Why is that?

In the treasury of folk wisdom, our ancestors had a very famous saying: "The whole year is not to be feared, only the twelfth lunar month." While this saying may sound heavy and spiritual, it is actually a profound admonition, distilled from observations of life over generations. The twelfth lunar month is not a month of bad luck or misfortune, but rather the most sensitive time of the year, when people are more susceptible to unforeseen events if they are not careful.

First of all, the twelfth lunar month is a time when both human strength and money are depleted.

The twelfth lunar month is the last month of the year according to the lunar calendar. After nearly a year of hard work, most of us feel tired, our spirits are easily dampened, and our ability to concentrate and judge also declines. This month brings many worries, and financial burdens increase: living expenses, debt repayment, Tet preparations, gifts, and other celebrations… While income is usually already "closed," leaving little opportunity to replenish it, we are often weighed down by the worries of food, clothing, and shelter. Our ancestors believed that when resources are depleted and there are many tasks, people easily fall into stress, leading to mistakes.

Our ancestors said: "The most feared period of the year of the Snake is the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month." What is there to fear about the twelfth lunar month?

Secondly, according to traditional beliefs, the twelfth lunar month is the time for the culmination of heaven and earth, a time to reflect on the past year.

Through years of living and experience, our ancestors believed that unresolved issues – debts, conflicts, grudges – often "manifest" at the end of the year. Many families encounter troubles or unexpected sad events in the twelfth lunar month. With Tet (Lunar New Year) approaching, our ancestors taught that this month is a time to live slowly, humbly, and self-disciplined, avoiding creating new karma, and refraining from competition and conflict, especially regarding money and speech. A little patience goes a long way.

Another reason why the twelfth lunar month is considered "frightening" is the transition between yin and yang.

According to folk beliefs, the twelfth lunar month is when yin energy is stronger, the weather is erratic and cold, easily harming health. If one's lifestyle is irregular, staying up late, eating erratically, not dressing warmly enough, etc., people are prone to illness and mental unease, leading to many other negative consequences in life. Therefore, our ancestors always reminded their descendants to take care of their health during the twelfth lunar month, considering it the foundation for a peaceful new year.

Although it sounds frightening, in reality, saying "fear the twelfth lunar month" simply means reminding everyone to live more cautiously. Our ancestors often advised that in the twelfth lunar month (December), to live peacefully, one should pay attention to the small details, pay debts if possible, clean and tidy the house, reorganize work, do good deeds, and help those in need. These actions not only lighten material burdens but also bring peace of mind and a tranquil spirit.

Ultimately, the twelfth lunar month is a pivotal month between the old and the new. Those who are careful in every step they take will welcome a peaceful new year. Conversely, if one is careless, spends excessively, is impulsive, or makes hasty decisions, they are very likely to carry trouble into the following year.

Therefore, this saying from our ancestors is not meant to instill fear, but rather a wise reminder: the twelfth lunar month is a time to live slowly, mindfully, and responsibly towards oneself and one's family. A peaceful twelfth lunar month will surely lead to a peaceful and happy new year.