Spring colors at religious establishments

Recently, the grounds of Bien Hoa Parish (Tran Bien Ward) have been “dressed in vibrant colors” with apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, traditional Tet-themed miniatures, and zodiac decorations for the Year of the Horse, welcoming the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) and providing a spring sightseeing space for the locals.

Nun Thich Nu Hanh Long, abbess of Hung Tinh Pagoda in Dong Tam Commune, together with disciples and Buddhist followers, decorates for Tet. Photo: Van Truyen

Bien Hoa Parish, like other religious sites in the province, prepares for Tet with spring-themed decorations and miniature landscapes. Every Tet holiday, religious establishments are usually popular with visitors who come to enjoy the spring atmosphere, pray for peace, and perform religious rituals. Therefore, many sites create spring-themed decorations and miniature landscapes to serve visitors free of charge.

Bringing joyful spring spaces for everyone

Dong Nai currently has approximately 1,500 Catholic parishes, religious communities, Buddhist monasteries, and other religious establishments. As Tet approaches, dignitaries, religious officials, monks, and parishioners at each establishment are busy decorating to welcome spring.

At Tan Mai Parish (Tam Hiep Ward), this year’s Tet decorations go beyond flower miniatures, with a significant investment in a large-scale zodiac mascot model for the new year. Priest Nguyen Manh Cuong, Dean of Tan Mai Deanery and Parish Priest of Tan Mai Parish, said this year’s Tet decorations are more colorful, featuring a 2026 zodiac mascot model of significant size installed within the parish grounds, along with various traditional Tet-themed miniatures. These efforts contribute to a more cheerful and vibrant spring atmosphere for the community.

As Tan Mai Parish is home to a large number of parishioners and several established religious neighborhoods, residents in the surrounding areas have joined efforts and resources to decorate the streets from one end of each neighborhood to the other. Meanwhile, Catholic families decorate their homes based on personal preferences and financial means.

In addition, religious dignitaries and officials have organized activities such as spring fairs and calligraphy-giving events for visitors during the early days of the Lunar New Year.

According to Nun Thich Nu Dieu Tri, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Abbess of Dai Giac Pagoda (Tran Bien Ward), Tet decorations are not only intended to beautify religious spaces but also to create a joyful spring atmosphere for people visiting to offer incense and enjoy spring outings during the year-end and New Year period.

Meanwhile, Nun Thich Nu Hanh Long, abbess of Hung Tinh Pagoda in Dong Tam Commune, shared that, to create a joyful atmosphere and offer visitors a place to stop and take commemorative photos with the pagoda, spring decorations are held every year. This year, nearly four months before Tet, the pagoda began propagating certain flower varieties to proactively prepare decorations in line with their concept and reduce expenses. In the days leading up to Tet, monks trim ornamental plants, hang lights, and create several spring-themed miniatures throughout the pagoda grounds. Through these efforts, the pagoda hopes everyone can embrace joy during the first days of spring.

Parishioners decorate traditional Tet space at Tan Mai Parish (Tam Hiep Ward). Photo: Van Truyen

Maintaining solemnity               

Religious establishments can be found in every commune and ward across the province. Their Tet decorations help create vibrant and festive environments in residential neighborhoods. While entry to these sites is free, visitors are expected to follow rules and show respect during their spring visits. Religious leaders highlight the need to maintain a respectful atmosphere and adhere to site guidelines.

Bien Hoa Parish, located in the central area of Tran Bien Ward and known for its annual Tet decorations, attracts not only Catholic followers but also people from other religions and non-religious visitors. Therefore, the parish reminds visitors to observe general regulations and maintain polite behavior in this sacred space.

According to Venerable Thich Minh Tri, Vice Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of the province and abbot of Phuc Lam Pagoda (Tam Hiep Ward), since January 2026, the pagoda has welcomed hundreds of visitors daily who come to take Tet photos. To accommodate the public in capturing beautiful moments, the pagoda remains open from early morning until after 22:00, allowing visitors free access to take pictures within the grounds.

However, during this period of increased foot traffic, the pagoda has issued several reminders that the public has been actively observing: walk gently, speak softly to preserve the sanctity of the religious site, keep the area clean, and dress respectfully. Thanks to this collective effort, feedback and images shared on social media about springtime visits to the pagoda have been overwhelmingly positive. The pagoda hopes these thoughtful actions by visitors from near and far will continue to be upheld in the future.

Currently, Dong Nai province has 807 official Buddhist monasteries and concentrated religious activity locations under the Dong Nai Buddhist Sangha. Regarding Catholicism, the province has 336 parishes, one pastoral center, one major seminary, and 322 religious communities.

By Van Truyen – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho