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The ritual of transforming and burning joss paper is commonly performed on the 7th lunar month and Tet holiday. Alongside the ritual of burning joss paper is the recitation of invocation verses for burning joss paper, aimed at guiding the ancestors back to the afterlife. Therefore, this is a highly important task, and readers should pay attention to ensure the smooth conduct of transforming joss paper, avoiding any mistakes.
Invocation Verses for Joss Paper Transformation
Ritual Invocation for Full Moon Festival
1. Timing for Reciting Invocation Verses for Burning Joss Paper
According to the research on reciting invocation verses for burning joss paper conducted by Professor of History Le Van Lan and based on customs passed down from previous generations, the 4th and 5th days of Tet or the 7th lunar month are considered appropriate times for transforming joss paper into gold and sending ancestors back to the afterlife.
For spiritual experts, the timing for transforming joss paper into gold can vary depending on each family's circumstances, starting as early as the 3rd day and extending to the 10th day of Tet.
Preparation for Burning Joss Paper
2. What to Prepare for Burning Joss Paper?
Depending on each family's financial circumstances, the items needed for the ritual of burning joss paper may vary. However, it's essential to ensure that the following offerings are provided:
- Tray of five fruits, incense, flowers
- Joss paper, spirit money
- Savory offerings
- Wine, cakes, candies
- Square glutinous rice cake (Banh Chung)
- Sugar cane
Preparing the Offering Tray for Ancestral Worship
Proper preparation of the offering tray is crucial to ensure that it adheres to all cultural taboos. For the savory offering tray, it's essential to ensure that it includes a variety of dishes such as noodles, boiled, stir-fried, soup, and boiled chicken.
3. The Most Standard Invocation Verses for Burning Joss Paper
If you're uncertain about the proper invocation verses for burning joss paper, consider referring to the following invocation verses. These verses are widely used by many families.
The Most Standard Invocation Verses for Transforming Joss Paper into Gold
4. Important Notes When Burning Joss Paper
Some important notes to keep in mind when burning joss paper:
- Avoid inconveniencing pedestrians, neighbors, and ensure to burn joss paper in a peaceful, clean environment to allow the spirits to witness the sincerity of the living. It's advisable not to burn joss paper on the street but in designated joss paper burning containers. For apartment buildings, instead of burning joss paper on balconies, hallways, or rooftops, it's recommended to follow the regulations set by the building management.
- Transforming gold should be done separately to avoid confusion, and the gold money for household deities should be transformed before the ancestral portion.
- Transform gently, avoiding tearing the gold paper with sticks, as torn money cannot be spent by spirits.
- After transforming the gold, sprinkle a little white wine or clean water on the area to prevent the ashes from flying out and ensure the fire is completely extinguished, avoiding the risk of explosion or fire.
Through this article, you've learned about the invocation verses for burning joss paper, how to prepare the ancestral altar, offerings, and important notes to conduct the ritual of joss paper transformation solemnly, without violating any taboos. If you still have questions about burning joss paper, feel free to leave a comment below, and we'll address your concerns.
One of the important spiritual procedures after the Lunar New Year is the day of joss paper transformation, where we bid farewell to the deities and ancestors. Therefore, during these days, each descendant needs to express their sincere respect to their ancestors not only through offerings but also through solemn invocation verses for joss paper transformation.
If you're unsure which wall-mounted altar to choose for your apartment to fit the space, check out the article on beautiful wall-mounted altars for private homes and apartments by Mytour. These altar designs are beloved by many and used for worshipping Buddha and ancestors.
