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Every year on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Vietnamese people, whether rich or poor, perform rituals to offer to Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao. Below are some steps to prepare for the offering to Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao.
Timing for offering to Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao
From ancient times to the present, Vietnamese people often offer to Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao before 12:00 PM on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. Alternatively, it can be done on the 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month if there are other commitments preventing the ritual on the 23rd. According to folklore, offering before 12:00 PM on the 23rd is to ensure that Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao ascend to the heavenly palace.
Some suggest offering to Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao during the Horse hour (11 AM – 1 PM), believed to be the most auspicious time, known as the hour when the horse transforms into a dragon.
Where are the altars for Ong Cong and Ong Tao located?
Typically, a family with a dedicated altar for Ong Cong and Ong Tao near the kitchen performs rituals and offerings at this specific shrine. For families without a separate altar, they perform the rituals alongside the ancestral altar.
According to folk beliefs, Tuy Tao Quan is closely associated with the kitchen. However, during ceremonies, it is advised to conduct the rituals at the altar rather than the kitchen, as the altar is considered a sacred place connecting mortals with divine beings.
Offerings for Tao Quan Worship
A complete set for Tao Quan worship includes 3 hats for Ong Cong, 1 hat for women, and 2 hats for men. The hat for Tao Ba has no wings, while the hat for Ong Tao has 2 wings. These hats are adorned with sparkling ribbons and a small round mirror.
The ceremonial items, including clothing, hats, incense, and paper gold ingots, will be transformed along with the old offerings after the ritual on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month. Subsequently, the homeowners will set up new offerings.
The shades of golden horses are influenced by the five elements. For the Earth element, the color is black; for Fire, it turns red. Water element brings forth a green hue, while Wood is associated with white.
If there are young children in the family, it is advised to offer boiled chicken, preferably a young rooster. This symbolizes a plea to the Kitchen God, seeking divine protection for the health and intelligence of the little ones.
In the Northern region, the ritual includes releasing live carp, symbolizing the transformation of carp into dragons, escorting the Kitchen God to the heavenly realms. In the Central region, paper horses, saddles, and reins are offered. Meanwhile, the Southern tradition opts for simplicity with paper hats, clothes, and shoes.
Within the feast honoring Kitchen God
When honoring the Kitchen God, households can prepare either a vegetarian or savory feast by the 23rd day of the lunar month. A vegetarian spread typically includes water, betel leaves, fruits, and golden and silver papers.
