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Performing ancestral offerings on the 1st day has long been a beautiful cultural tradition in our nation, a significant ritual highly valued by the people. On these days, individuals express gratitude, commemorate the departed, and seek protection for family members, wishing for a peaceful and happy life.
Ancestral offering rituals on the 1st day help convey personal messages and desires for lost loved ones.
Normally, this ceremony is conducted on the 1st day of the lunar month. However, for families with busy schedules, it can be performed in the evening of the 30th day each month.
According to ancient beliefs, the 1st day of the lunar month, also known as the Rat Day, marks the beginning of a new month. Therefore, during this time, people perform ancestral rituals to pray for luck and success, dispelling misfortunes from the previous month, and expressing remembrance and gratitude from descendants to ancestors.
The essential offerings for the 1st day include: incense, betel leaves, wine, water, and fruits. These are necessary items for the ceremony. Depending on the circumstances, you may adjust the offerings. In cases of limited time or other reasons, a small amount of candy, a glass of water, and lit incense may suffice.
Before offering homage to family ancestors, it is essential to perform rituals honoring the Land God. Below is the most widely used script for the 1st day, which you can refer to:
-Ancestral Offering Script for the 1st Day to Honor the Land God and Deities:
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Homage to Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 bows)
- I respectfully bow to the nine celestial directions, the ten Buddhas, and the tenfold Buddhas.
- I humbly pay homage to the Heavenly Emperor, Earthly Emperor, and the revered deities.
- I respectfully acknowledge the Eastern Heavenly General.
- I offer my reverence to the Master of the ancestral land, the Dragon Vein.
- I bow in reverence to the Five Directions, Five Earths, and the Deities of Prosperity and Virtue.
- I respectfully bow to the divine authorities governing this region.
- I respectfully bow to the honored deities overseeing this region.
The devotee (they) are: ……………………………
Residing at: ………………………………
Today is the date … month … year …, the devotee wholeheartedly prepares floral offerings, precious metals, tea, and incense to present before the altar. We earnestly invite: Lord Kim Niên, the virtuous ruler of Thái Tuế, Lord Bản Cảnh Thành, the Grand Prince, Lord Đông Trù Tư Mệnh, the General of the East, Lord Bản Gia Thổ Địa Long Mạch, the divine beings of the Five Directions, Five Earths, the Deities of Prosperity and Virtue, and the divine authorities governing this region. We humbly beseech you to hear our invitation, have mercy on the devout followers, grace our altar with your presence, and bless the devout followers for peace, prosperity, and success in all endeavors. May everyone be blessed, wealth and fortune abound, hearts enlightened, and wishes fulfilled.
We, with sincere devotion, bow before the altar, seeking divine protection and blessings.
Homage to Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to the Compassionate Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to the Compassionate Amitabha Buddha! (3 bows)
Homage to the Compassionate Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to the Compassionate Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to the Compassionate Amitabha Buddha! (3 bows)
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-Invocation on the 1st day for ancestral worship:
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- I humbly bow to the nine celestial directions, the ten Buddhas, and all the Buddhas in the ten directions.
- I respectfully bow to the Heavenly Emperor, Earthly Emperor, and the revered deities.
- I pay my respects to Lord Bản Cảnh Thành Hoàng, Lord Bản Xứ Thổ Địa, Lord Bản Gia Táo Quân, and all the revered deities.
- I pay my respects to Ancestors, Hiển Khảo, Hiển Tỷ, and all the Ancestral Spirits (if parents are alive, replace with Ancestor Khảo, Ancestor Tỷ).
The devotee (we) is: ………........
Residing at: ………………….................
Today is the ….. day, meeting the …. lunar month (full moon day, 1st day), the devotee seeks blessings from the divine, all deities, ancestral islets, wholeheartedly preparing offerings of incense, flowers, tea, and fruits, lighting a sacred incense to present before the altar.
We humbly invite: Lord Bản Cảnh Thành Hoàng, the Grand Prince, Lord Bản Xứ Thần Linh Thổ Địa, Lord Bản Gia Táo Quân, the Deities of the Five Directions, Dragon Vein, and the Deity of Wealth. We beseech you to descend before the altar, bear witness to our sincere hearts, and accept our offerings.
We extend our invitation to Ancestors Khảo, Ancestor Tỷ, and all the Ancestral Spirits of the …...... lineage, imploring mercy for the sacred descendants, bearing witness to our devoted hearts, and accepting the offerings.
The devotee once again invites the former and current landlords residing in this house, harmonizing the past and present, mutually sharing blessings, guarding over our family for eternal health, peace in all matters, abundant prosperity, and family harmony.
With sincere gratitude, we humbly offer our reverence, bowing before the altar, seeking divine protection and blessings.
Homage to Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to Amitabha Buddha!
Homage to Amitabha Buddha! (3 bows)
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Above are the details provided in this article for your thorough preparation for the 1st day ceremony. Remember, whether the offerings are few or many, what matters most is the genuine sincerity and heartfelt gratitude you express to your ancestors.
