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1. How to Prepare the Han Thuc Festival Tray
For the Han Thuc Festival tray on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, prepare ceremonial items like incense, flowers, betel leaves, vegetarian cakes, clean water, and a tray of five fruits to offer to the ancestral altar. Here are the specifics:
Sticky Rice Cakes and Vegetarian Cakes
In the Han Thuc Festival tray, sticky rice cakes and vegetarian cakes are indispensable. The recommended quantity is 5 or 3 bowls of sticky rice cakes and 3 or 5 bowls of vegetarian cakes. Both these cakes symbolize the abundant harvest season, offered to ancestors for a year of favorable weather and prosperity.
Sticky rice cakes are made from kneaded glutinous rice dough with water, filled with sugar, preferably brown sugar. After kneading, the cakes are dropped into boiling water, sinking and then floating to the surface. Remove and soak them in boiling water until cool to make them firm. Finally, arrange them on a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bánh chay, a delicate treat, is crafted from kneaded glutinous rice flour and water. The unique twist lies in its filling, meticulously made from well-cooked mung beans. The beans, a variety called 'đỗ tiêu,' small, aromatic, steamed to perfection, then finely mashed and blended with pure white sugar. Encased in a bowl, the bánh chay is drizzled with sweetened ginger or arrowroot powder infused with pomelo blossom essence.
Aroma, flowers, and betel leaves
In any Vietnamese ritual, be it grand or humble, the essential trio—incense, blossoms, and betel leaves—graces the ancestral altar. Thus, the Tết Hàn Thực ceremonial table is incomplete without these offerings.
For flowers, opt for vibrant chrysanthemums or fragrant roses for the ritual. And remember, only fresh blooms will do.
Crystal-clear water goblet
Each time a Buddhist or ancestral rite is performed, the household must replace the water goblet on the altar. The water symbolizes the purity of the host's heart. Look into the pristine water to gauge if your spirit resonates with tranquility, just like the clear water within.
Fruit Platter
Families can opt for a vibrant fruit plate featuring around 5 different fruits. Depending on the season, choose fruits with diverse colors like green, red, yellow, purple... symbolizing the five elements. Offer this platter on the ancestral altar, expressing filial piety and seeking auspicious blessings.
On Han Thuc Festival, there's no need for an extravagant spread; the essence lies in sincerity. Presenting sticky rice balls and vegetarian cakes to the ancestral shrine, praying for a peaceful and fortunate year. If making these treats isn't feasible, a simple fruit plate, offered wholeheartedly, suffices for the ceremonial table.
These steps outline the most complete and authentic guide to preparing the Han Thuc Festival offering in 2023. Mytour hopes that these insights help you know exactly what is needed for a successful ceremony.
