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As the New Year approaches, each Vietnamese family will prepare two ceremonial altars to welcome the auspiciousness of the upcoming year. However, many people wonder what the outdoor and indoor New Year's Eve altars consist of. Follow this article by Mytour for answers.
2. Optimal setup for the outdoor New Year's Eve altar
The outdoor New Year's Eve ritual is conducted to bid farewell to the deity responsible for caring for the people and managing the earthly realm, signaling the departure of the old year and welcoming the new one.
The ceremonial items in the outdoor New Year's Eve altar depend on the economic situation or the local available resources. However, the altar is incomplete without betel leaves, fruits, and a cup of water or wine.
- Tray of five fruits (symbolizing the five blessings: Prosperity, Wealth, Longevity, Health, Peace)
- Sticky rice
- Square sticky rice cake
- Boiled rooster adorned with pink or red flowers (some places use a pig)
- Fresh flowers
- Betel leaves
- Wine, water
- 1 plate of rice
- 1 plate of salt
- 5 candles
- Incense (3 or 5 sticks)
- Divine garments, divine hat
2. Complete Indoor New Year's Eve Altar
The ritual of New Year's Eve altar indoors involves honoring ancestors, the Earth Deity, and the household guardian spirit.
The indoor New Year's Eve feast is similar to the outdoor feast, excluding divine garments and headgear.
- Square sticky rice cake
- Pork sausage
- Meatloaf
- Sticky rice with special herbs
- Chicken meat
- Rice wine (beer, other beverages)
Sweet offerings:
- Cakes and sweets
- Tet jams
- Flowers
- Lights (candles)
- Incense
3. Important Tips for New Year's Eve Ritual
- The most auspicious time for the ritual is midnight on the 1st day of the lunar new year.
- Ensure the altar is fully prepared and set up before the New Year's Eve moment.
- For outdoor New Year's Eve altars, position them in the North (worshiping the Supreme Deity) or in the East (worshiping the Heavenly King), depending on family traditions.
- Thoroughly prepare the New Year's Eve ritual script.
- The attire of the person performing the New Year's Eve ritual should be neat and tidy.
- Speak the New Year's Eve prayer with a loud, clear, and rhythmic voice.
- During the ritual, maintain sincere focus, avoiding private conversations.
Above is an article on outdoor and indoor New Year's Eve altars, detailing their components. It is hoped that the information shared by Mytour will assist you in preparing a complete altar to welcome a new year full of luck and blessings.
