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1. Avoid tasting or sampling the dishes before placing them on the offering table
This is a crucial taboo when preparing ancestral offerings. Therefore, the household should only season the dishes appropriately without tasting. Tasting is believed to signify consuming the offerings before the ancestors, turning the displayed food into leftovers. It is imperative not to taste or sample the dishes intended for the offering table.
2. Avoid offering raw or pungent-smelling dishes
The dishes for ancestral offerings must be pre-cooked, well-prepared, and aesthetically presented to express reverence to the departed. Among the restricted items on the offering table are raw, salad, or pungent-smelling dishes. These are considered disrespectful to the spirits, and pungent odors may disturb the ancestral altar, so they should be avoided.
3. Avoid buying pre-packaged or canned foods for ancestral offerings
This is an occasion for descendants to express gratitude to their grandparents and ancestors. However, buying pre-packaged or outside food for offerings is considered insincere, lacking genuine sentiment. Consequently, family members may face reproach, leading to inconvenience in their lives.
4. Avoid serving catfish on the altar
According to Vietnamese beliefs, catfish symbolizes bad luck and financial hindrance. Therefore, during the beginning of the month, catfish is usually avoided. Using catfish for ancestral offerings can negatively impact the family's well-being. Hence, it's advisable to exclude catfish when preparing the altar.
5. Use new plates and bowls for offerings
The dishes and bowls used for offerings must be new and clean. Ideally, homeowners should have a separate set of dishes and bowls dedicated to the ritual. Additionally, it is recommended not to mix the ceremonial utensils with the everyday ones.
These are essential considerations before preparing the altar for Tet that you can refer to and implement. Don't forget to promptly update the most useful news.
