In Taoist tradition, August is Ghost Month, when the world of the spirits is more open to humans. Vu Lan, or the filial piety ceremony, pays special tribute to ancestors and family.

Midway through Ghost Month, we visit our local temples to make offerings in honor of our ancestors. We pin red roses to our shirts to honor our parents who are alive, white roses for parents who have passed on.

In Hoi An, local custom is to light small lanterns for our loved ones and set them afloat on the Hoài River.