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1. Han Thuc Tet Altar Offerings
On the day of Han Thuc Tet, families need not prepare elaborate altars; what matters most is the sincerity of the household.
According to Vietnamese tradition, the Han Thuc Tet altar offerings typically include the following ceremonial items:
- 5 or 3 bowls of floating cakes
- 5 or 3 bowls of vegetarian cakes
- Incense, flowers, betel leaves
- Fruit tray
- Clean water glass
What is the most auspicious time to perform the Han Thuc ritual?
Performing the Han Thuc ritual at the right hour is a sought-after query on the 3rd of March in the lunar calendar. Below are the auspicious time frames for the ritual according to Feng Shui beliefs to encounter good fortune:
- Hour of the Dragon (3 AM - 5 AM)
Hour of the Monkey (7 AM - 9 AM)
- Hour of the Serpent (9 AM - 11 AM)
- Giờ Tuất (19h-21h)
1. Authentic Han Thuc Festival 2023 Prayer
Referring to the Han Thuc Festival prayer excerpted from the book 'Traditional Vietnamese Prayer' by Culture and Information Publishing House:
Namo Amitabha Buddha (3 times)
I bow to the nine heavens, ten directions Buddhas, all Buddhas ten directions.
I respectfully bow to the heavenly emperor, the earthly queen, and all revered deities.
I respectfully bow to the lord of the land, the lord of the household, the lord of the nation, and all revered deities.
We respectfully bow to our ancestors, elder brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and all relatives.
Our faith is in...Residing at...
Today is the 3rd of the 3rd month (lunar calendar), meeting the Cold Food Festival, we, faithful believers, deeply appreciate the grace of heaven, earth, all deities, remember the merits of our ancestors, sincerely prepare offerings, betel leaves, areca nuts, fragrant flowers, burn incense, and present them.
We respectfully invite the heavenly emperor, the great lords, the local deities, the spirits, dragons, and gods, to witness and enjoy the offerings with sincere hearts.
We respectfully invite our ancestors, elder brothers, sisters, and all ancestral spirits, both inside and outside the family, to bestow mercy upon us and witness our sincere offerings.
Our faith invites the wandering spirits, the predecessors, and successors residing in this house and on this land, to share blessings for our family's health, peace, prosperity, and harmony.
Namo Amitabha Buddha (3 times).
Above is the most complete and accurate Han Thuc Festival prayer for 2023. Wishing you and your family a joyous and happy Cold Food Festival day.
