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Every year on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, it's the day the Kitchen Gods return to the heavens, also marking the time when families start cleaning their ancestral altars and homes to welcome the Lunar New Year. So, should one clean the ancestral altar before or after worshipping the Kitchen Gods? Let's explore the details with Mytour below!
1. Should one clean the ancestral altar before or after worshipping the Kitchen Gods?
Many Vietnamese people believe that on the day the Land Genie and the Kitchen Gods return to the heavens - the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month - the ancestral altar will be empty, and they will no longer reside there. Thus, it's most appropriate to clean the ancestral altar to avoid any ill omens for the household.
However, from a feng shui perspective, the aforementioned belief may not be entirely accurate. The ancestral altar is a sacred place and also a concentration of spiritual energy, so it's essential to regularly clean it. Therefore, cleaning the ancestral altar can be done at any time during the year without waiting for the specific day of the Land Genie and the Kitchen Gods' return.
2. Best time for cleaning, offering, and decorating the ancestral altar
According to ancient beliefs, every year on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, the Kitchen Gods return to the heavens by riding carps. Therefore, in the morning, families usually prepare ceremonial rice to bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods, and afterwards, they can proceed to burn incense either in the morning or in the afternoon of the same day.
The ideal time for offering incense, trimming incense sticks, and cleaning the ancestral altar is from 8 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It's advisable to avoid performing these tasks around noon, which is considered an inauspicious time.
Additionally, you can perform offerings to the Kitchen Gods and clean the ancestral altar on another auspicious day. However, it's important to do so in the morning and avoid doing it in the evening or at midday.
3. Standard guide for cleaning the ancestral altar
- Step 1: Seek permission before cleaning and offering incense
According to traditional beliefs passed down from ancestors, before performing offerings and cleaning the ancestral altar, the family should prepare a plate of fresh fruits placed on the altar. Then, they should take a thorough bath, dress neatly, and light incense to seek permission from the guardian spirits and ancestors before proceeding to clean the altar and offer incense.
- Step 2: Prepare for altar cleaning
To clean the altar, you'll need: a clean broom and cloth, altar cleaning solution typically made of herbal extracts or white wine to purify the spiritual energy. Absolutely avoid using cold water for altar cleaning. Additionally, prepare a clean cloth-covered table to place the incense burner, offerings, and worship items during the cleaning process.
- Step 3: Sequence of altar cleaning
According to spiritual practitioners, when cleaning the altar, it's advisable to start from the top and work downwards.
For wooden worship items, use a soft cloth to prevent paint peeling or scratching. For bronze worship items, avoid using alcohol-based solutions as they may cause oxidation and quick discoloration.
When handling incense burners and offerings, avoid shifting them as it may break the connection and lead to unfortunate events or declining health for the household. Also, when trimming incense sticks, pull them from outside towards the center, and proceed with caution.
It's essential to replace the flower vase, candlesticks (candles), and ritual water after cleaning and then place the worship items back to their original positions. Once completed, you should light 3 incense sticks again and invite the deities and ancestors to gather.
4. Key points when cleaning the ancestral altar
- When cleaning the ancestral altar, homeowners need to prioritize respect and sincerity to gain the ancestors' approval.
- During the cleaning process, absolutely avoid shifting the incense burners and offerings on the altar. If accidentally moved, you must repent and return them to their original positions.
- Cleaning tools for the ancestral altar such as broom, cleaning cloth, water basin... should be new and separate. Avoid using used, old, or dirty cloths and brooms for altar cleaning.
- After cleaning, re-light 3 incense sticks and invite the deities and ancestors to gather.
It's evident that cleaning the ancestral altar and offering incense at the end of the year are meticulously carried out by families, aiming to keep the altar clean and invite blessings, prosperity, and health for the household. Hopefully, through this article by Mytour, you will have a clearer understanding of whether cleaning the ancestral altar before or after worshipping the Kitchen Gods is the most appropriate. Thank you for reading!
