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1. When is the Kitchen Gods worshipping day?
According to Vietnamese folk tradition, the day to send the Kitchen Gods back to heaven is on the 23rd day of the last lunar month, which falls on the 23rd of the 12th lunar month.
In 2022, the Kitchen Gods worshipping day on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month (Lunar calendar) will be on January 25, 2022 (Solar calendar).
2. What is the origin of the Kitchen Gods worshipping tradition?
The Kitchen Gods worshipping ceremony is one of the important rituals before the Lunar New Year.
The legend of Táo Quân originates from three deities: Thổ Công, Thổ Địa, Thổ Kỳ of Taoism in China, but was transformed by ancient Vietnamese into the tale of “Two men and a woman.”
The tale begins with Thị Nhi, who was married to Trọng Cao. Despite their deep love, they struggled to conceive. Consequently, Trọng Cao grew increasingly irritable and began to mistreat his wife.
One day, over a trivial matter, Cao's anger escalated, leading to a physical altercation with Thị Nhi, who then left their home and wandered to another land where she met Phạm Lang. The two fell in love and became husband and wife.
The origin of the tradition of worshipping Ông Công and Ông Táo
As for Trọng Cao, remorseful for his actions, he set out to find his wife.
After days of searching, penniless and desperate, Trọng Cao resorted to begging on the streets. Fate led him to Thị Nhi's doorstep just as Phạm Lang was away. Recognizing her estranged husband, Thị Nhi invited him in, prepared a meal, and hid him in the rice fields when Phạm Lang returned, fearing his jealousy.
Unfortunately, that night, Phạm Lang set fire to the rice fields to gather ash for fertilizing the crops. Seeing the flames, Nhi rushed in to save her ex-husband. Witnessing his wife's bravery, Phạm Lang followed suit, resulting in all three perishing in the blaze.
Moved by the loyalty of the trio, the Jade Emperor appointed them as kitchen deities. The new husband, Thổ Công, oversees cooking duties, the former husband, Thổ Địa, manages household affairs, while the wife, Thổ Kỳ, takes charge of market transactions.
According to Vietnamese folklore, on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, Táo Quân rides carp to heaven to report household matters to the Jade Emperor. Hence, on this day, Vietnamese families often prepare feasts to offer to Ông Công and Ông Táo for their journey to the heavens.
The significance of worshiping Ông Công and Ông Táo
Ông Táo is the deity who oversees all activities within the household. Additionally, he wards off malevolent spirits from intruding on inhabited lands, ensuring peace for all residents.
The ceremonial feast for Ông Công and Ông Táo
Thus, every 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Táo Quân mounts carp-turned-dragons to ascend to the Heavenly Palace, presenting all the deeds, good and bad, of the household over the past year for judgment. It is on the New Year's Eve that Táo Quân returns to the mortal realm to resume the duty of overseeing the household hearth.
The tradition of honoring Ông Công and Ông Táo has long been ingrained in the Vietnamese psyche. On this day, people set up feasts to express gratitude to the deities. Moreover, it's an occasion for families to reunite and bond after a year of hard work.
The ritual of worshipping Ông Táo embodies a beautiful cultural aspect rich in spiritual significance, aimed at the peace and well-being of the Vietnamese people. Hopefully, through this article, you've gained a deeper understanding of the origin and significance of this age-old custom.
