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On the 23rd day of Tet, families meticulously prepare the offering altar with sincere prayers. When honoring Ong Cong and Ong Tao, families should absolutely avoid these 5 mistakes.
The ritual of honoring Ong Cong, Ong Tao is often carried out by Vietnamese families from the 17th to the 23rd day of Tet. Offerings typically include sticky rice, rice soup, watered rice wine, gold and silver paper, betel and areca, chicken, pork, and various fruits. Especially, families must prepare 3 sets of costumes and hats, along with one or three paper carps (either live or made of paper).
During the performance of the ritual for Ong Cong, Ong Tao, families should absolutely avoid these 5 things.
Placing the Offering Altar for Ong Cong, Ong Tao under the Kitchen
Many believe Ong Cong, the deity of the land, should be worshipped on the main altar inside the house. Meanwhile, Ong Tao, overseeing the kitchen, should be worshipped under the kitchen. Hence, on the day of the ritual for Ong Cong, Ong Tao, some families prepare two offering altars: one on the ancestral altar and one under the kitchen.
However, spiritual experts argue that performing the ritual for Ong Cong, Ong Tao as described is incorrect. The 23rd day of Tet is dedicated to worshipping the three deities of Earth, House, and Kitchen, collectively known as the Spirits, Land Deity, and are worshipped on the main altar. Therefore, the ritual for Ong Cong, Ong Tao should be conducted at the main altar.
Furthermore, the kitchen, being the place for food preparation, is often considered less organized and clean. Conducting the ritual in the kitchen lacks solemnity. The offering altar for Ong Cong, Ong Tao should be placed in the cleanest and most solemn place in the house, which is the main altar.
Releasing Carp by Dropping from Above
After the ritual for Ong Cong, Ong Tao, many families release carp into ponds, lakes, and rivers. Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Deputy Chairman and General Secretary of the Council of Executive Affairs, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, emphasizes that releasing fish correctly carries significant spiritual merit.
When releasing, gently tilt the mouth of the plastic bag or container holding the fish downward, allowing the fish to swim out naturally. Alternatively, people can cradle the fish in their hands and slowly release it into the water. Releasing carp should be carried out with heartfelt sincerity.
People should never stand above and throw fish downwards. Moreover, it is essential not to release fish in water sources contaminated with pollutants, as it reduces their chances of survival.
Elaborate Feast for the Kitchen God's Ritual
The offering for the Kitchen God's ritual doesn't necessarily have to be elaborate. Depending on each family's circumstances, one can prepare a vegetarian or non-vegetarian spread.
However, the material offerings are just a part of it; what matters most is the sincere reverence during the ritual. While honoring the Kitchen God, the household should solemnly pray, as the deity is a revered figure within the home, requiring no grand gestures. The ritualistic verses are farewells, confessions, and wishes of the household towards the Kitchen God before he embarks on his journey back to the heavenly realm.
Offering to the Kitchen God after noon on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month
According to folk beliefs, noon on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month marks the moment when Kitchen God ascends to the heavens. Therefore, the ritual of offering to Kitchen God needs to be performed before that time.
Families can choose a suitable time to conduct the offering ceremony for Kitchen God. When the fragrance burns two-thirds, it is possible to transform paper into gold horses and release carp to bid farewell to Kitchen God's return to the sky.
Pleading for Prosperity and Abundance
During the offering to Kitchen God, homeowners must sincerely reflect on mistakes and wrongdoings committed in the past year within the family. Simultaneously, they should self-examine, repent, promise to rectify errors, and beseech Kitchen God for guidance towards positive outcomes. It's advised not to seek wealth and prosperity during the Kitchen God ritual.
Authored by: Thị Hương Hồ
Keywords: 5 Mistakes Absolutely Avoidable When Offering to Kitchen God and Land Genie on the 23rd of the Lunar December
