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According to ancient beliefs, on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month each year, Kitchen Gods return to the heavenly palace to report to the Jade Emperor about the events that have occurred in the mortal world during the past year. This article by Mytour Blog will provide you with information about the most comprehensive and accurate ritual of honoring Kitchen Gods in 2024.
Meaning of Kitchen God Worship in Vietnamese Tradition
According to beliefs passed down through generations, the Kitchen Gods play a crucial role in determining the fortune, misfortune, and blessings in the lives of every family. They also fend off the interference of demons to maintain peace for the family. For this reason, the rituals carry the meaning of seeking peace and prosperity for the family.
Upon returning to the heavenly palace, Ong Tao will report to the Jade Emperor about the activities and living conditions of each family in the mortal world. Aside from wishing for families' well-being and prosperity, this tradition also signifies hopes for a fortunate new year, harmony within families, and encountering many blessings.
Tao Quan rides carps back to the sky on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month each year (Source: Internet)When is the day to worship Ong Tao on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month 2024?
The 23rd day of the 12th lunar month 2023 falls on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 (Gregorian calendar). However, it's not necessary to worship at noon on the 23rd lunar day, but you can start from the 21st and remember to finish before passing 1 pm on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month.
The 23rd day of the 12th lunar month every year is the day to worship Ong Tao (Source: Internet)Step-by-step guide on how to worship Ong Tao in 2024
Check out the detailed guide on how to worship Ong Cong Ong Tao most accurately in 2024 right below:
Prepare offerings for worshipping Ong Cong Ong Tao
- Ong Cong's hat consists of three pieces, two for men and one for women. The men's hats have two wings, while the women's hat does not.
- The carp symbolizes the means of transportation for Ong Cong and Ong Tao.
- Gold paper money.
- 1 shirt, 1 paper shoe. The colors of the hat, shirt, and shoe in the ritual of worshipping Ong Tao usually change according to the five elements principle. In 2024, which belongs to the Fire element, choosing offerings in yellow is considered appropriate and brings more luck.
Some offerings for worshipping Ong Cong Ong Tao (Source: Internet)Altar table for worshipping Ong Tao
Traditional altar table for worshipping Ong Tao:
Depending on the family's circumstances, alongside the main offerings mentioned, the homeowner can prepare a savory or vegetarian altar to bid farewell to Ong Tao. Nowadays, the altar for worshipping Ong Tao is often simplified, not requiring all dishes as in tradition.
In reality, the altar offerings mainly depend on the local culture, economic situation, and culinary preferences of the family. For struggling families, simply preparing a modest altar with 3 dishes is sufficient. It's noteworthy that the altar for worshipping Ong Tao in different regions has its unique characteristics.
Altar for worshipping Ong Cong Ong Tao (Source: Internet)Detailed ritual prayers for worshipping Ong Tao
“Hail to the compassionate Buddha!
Hail to the compassionate Buddha!
Hail to the compassionate Buddha!
I bow to the nine heavens, ten directions of Buddhas, Buddhas in ten directions
We respectfully pay homage to the Eastern Palace, the Four Lives, the Kitchen Gods, and the Celestial Soldiers.
Our belief lies in: ……………
Residing at: …………
Today, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, we devoutly prepare offerings, wear respectful attire, and offer homage to the deities. Lighting the incense, we sincerely worship our belief with wholehearted devotion.
We respectfully invite the Eastern Palace, the Four Lives, the Kitchen Gods, and the Celestial Soldiers to manifest and enjoy the offerings.
We beseech the divine grace to forgive all transgressions of the past year committed by our household. May the divine bestow blessings, protect our entire household, men and women, young and old, with abundant health, safety, prosperity, and all things auspicious. With sincere hearts, we offer our respects and prayers, hoping for the divine protection and support.
Hail to the compassionate Buddha!
Hail to the compassionate Buddha!
Hail to the compassionate Buddha!”
Ritual prayers to send Ong Tao back to the heavens (Source: Internet)Some notes when worshipping Ong Tao
When performing the ritual to worship Ong Cong Ong Tao, it's important to note the following:
- In many households, the altar for Ong Tao is commonly placed within the kitchen area. For those already equipped with an altar dedicated to Ong Tao, it's suitable to arrange the offerings there. In cases where there's no specific altar for Ong Tao, it's advisable to place the offerings on the ancestral altar. Avoid placing offerings on balconies or Buddha altars.
It's advisable to refrain from purchasing and burning excessive gold in hopes of acquiring more blessings. This practice not only incurs unnecessary expenses but also has detrimental effects on the environment.Precautions to observe during Ong Tao ritual
- Before commencing the ritual recitation, it's essential for the household members to cleanse themselves thoroughly and dress with solemnity, demonstrating respect towards the celestial officials. While reciting the ritual verses, maintain a serious demeanor, pronounce the words clearly, and pay attention to the tone and significance of each sentence. Absolutely avoid requesting for wealth and prosperity; instead, seek blessings for goodness and auspiciousness in the upcoming year from Ong Tao. It's advisable to avoid performing the ritual after 12 PM on the 23rd day of the last lunar month and refrain from placing the altar under the kitchen stove. Release the carp gently into the water, avoiding forceful throws from a height.
Avoid forcefully releasing the carp from a high altitude (Source: Internet)Frequently Asked Questions about Ong Tao Ritual
After bidding farewell to Ong Tao during the sending-off ritual, it's customary for the household to welcome Ong Tao back home. According to Vietnamese tradition, the welcoming ceremony for Ong Tao typically occurs from 11:00 PM to 11:45 PM on New Year's Eve. The items used for the welcoming ceremony are similar to those in the Ong Tao ritual on the 23rd day.
In terms of Feng Shui, the Ong Tao altar can be placed in the center of the kitchen cabinet, at a clean and elevated position. The suitable direction for the Ong Tao altar is the South. Avoid placing it too low or too high, as it may pose difficulties when lighting incense.
One can choose to perform the Ong Tao ritual with 1 carp, a pair, or 3 carp, depending on the local beliefs and family traditions.
We hope this article has provided you with a clearer understanding of the traditional Ong Tao ritual customs in our country. Don't forget to visit Mytour - the leading reputable e-commerce platform to enjoy incredible offers.
