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In our cultural beliefs, the spiritual world coexists with ours, where our deceased relatives reside. To connect with them, we perform ancestral worship through ancestral worship verses.
According to our cultural customs, there are many occasions for ancestral worship ceremonies, such as festivals, the first day of the lunar month, inauspicious days, or during family celebrations. When facing adversity, families often pay respects to ancestors, presenting their situation and seeking their protection for peace and well-being.
For instance, during joyous occasions at home, the head of the household may light incense to inform ancestors, express gratitude for their blessings, and seek their protection for the couple's happiness.
Similarly, in business, before signing significant contracts, it's customary to conduct ancestral worship ceremonies to seek ancestors' blessings for the success of the venture. When achieving success in one's career, it's essential to express gratitude to ancestors for their continual support and assistance.
In daily occurrences like childbirth, birthdays, academic achievements of children, career advancements, illnesses, business losses, or bereavements, families perform ancestral worship to inform and seek ancestors' blessings and protection for favorable outcomes.
Reflecting on these matters, we understand that regardless of whether events around us are favorable or unfavorable, ancestral offerings are necessary to share joy and alleviate burdens for future generations. It's an opportunity for us to draw closer and connect with our loved ones, to wish for and share goodness. One common mistake is the belief that ceremonies must be extravagant, with lavish displays, when in reality, the appropriateness of the ceremony depends on the circumstances. Sometimes, a simple offering comprising sticky rice, bananas, a cup of wine, betel leaves, fruits, and water suffices to express gratitude and make ancestors feel appreciated.
In some cases, individuals go overboard, placing excessive trust in superstitions, believing that conducting numerous rituals or burning fake money will ensure a prosperous afterlife for their ancestors. This is a grave mistake, polluting the environment and, as per Buddhist teachings, not only bringing misfortune to the worshippers but also negatively impacting those being worshipped. Additionally, it distorts our rich cultural traditions into mere superstitions. Hence, it's crucial to be vigilant and always remember that sincerity is sufficient in ceremonies; our loved ones can perceive it and heed our words, regardless of the grandeur of the ritual.
As modern life advances, cultural rituals are gradually fading and often misunderstood. To preserve the essence of our ethnicity amidst modernization, alongside embracing a modern lifestyle, it's imperative to safeguard and uphold the beautiful traditions and noble beliefs of our people.
Considerations When Preparing Ancestral Offerings:
Ancestral offerings should consist of pure items reserved exclusively for them; no one should touch or taste these offerings before they are presented. During the preparation process, it's crucial to set aside offerings separately for the ceremony. This action demonstrates respect for our ancestors, akin to how we refrain from touching food before our elders at the family dinner table.
Alternatively, when our household gardens yield abundantly, the first step we take is to select the finest, sweetest fruits as offerings to express gratitude and filial piety towards those who have nurtured us.
In reality, we are well aware that the offerings made during ancestral worship ceremonies are never lost. It is essentially an act to express filial piety and gratitude from the younger generation to the elders. Ancestral worship is not obligatory; whether it occurs or not depends entirely on the sincerity of the descendants. If the descendants remember their ancestors, they will perform the worship rituals.
Furthermore, this is not just an occasion to light incense and worship ancestors; it's an opportunity for the extended family to come together after long journeys away from home, after months of separation, to share joys and memories, to get closer, and to understand each other better.
Rituals of Ancestral Worship:
According to ancient beliefs, the responsibility of ancestral worship falls on the eldest son or the head of the family. Common offerings during the ceremony typically include betel leaves, fruits, incense, cold water, and wine. The quantity of offerings may vary depending on the circumstances.
Once all the necessary offerings are prepared and placed on the ancestral altar, the head of the household, dressed neatly, lights incense and respectfully stands before the altar. When paying respects, one should start by inviting the ancestors in a specific order, beginning with the oldest generations down to the youngest.
Traditionally, women do not participate in the ritual of kowtowing; it is reserved for men. However, in certain circumstances such as when the husband is away or the children are too young, women are entrusted with the responsibility of performing the ritual.
When conducting ceremonies, it's essential to follow the sequence. Before making offerings, bow three times. During the ceremony, it's necessary to clearly present the date and purpose of the ritual, introduce the person conducting the ceremony and family members, including their birthplaces and residences. Additionally, list the ceremonial items and conclude by presenting heartfelt prayers for the well-being of the entire family. After completing the offerings, the ceremony leader adds three more bows.
It's important to note that before worshipping, the ancestral altar should have either an incense burner or candles. For families with a ceremonial trivet, burning incense adds solemnity. When lighting incense on the ancestral altar, always use an odd number of incense sticks.
Finally, regardless of the type of ancestral worship ceremony, it's crucial to remember that the quantity of offerings is not as important as being sincere and expressing genuine gratitude.
Ceremonial Verses on the Fifteenth Day
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