Buzz
1. Offerings for Worshiping Ong Cong Ong Tao
Before preparing offerings for Ong Cong Ong Tao, the homeowner needs to gather the following ceremonial items:
- 3 Táo Quân hats: 2 hats for the two Kitchen Gods and 1 hat for the Kitchen Goddess. The hats for the Kitchen Gods have two wings, while the hat for the Kitchen Goddess does not.
In many places, people symbolically offer only 1 hat for Ong Cong with wings, along with 1 shirt and 1 pair of paper shoes.
- Carp fish: Symbolizes the means for the Kitchen Gods to ride back to heaven.
In the Northern region, families often offer live carp in a water basin, then release them into ponds or lakes. In the Central region, people offer a paper horse with a saddle and reins. In the Southern region, offerings typically include paper hats, shirts, and paper shoes.
2. Offerings for the Kitchen Gods Ceremony
The offerings for the Kitchen Gods Ceremony do not need to be extravagant; what matters most is the sincere reverence shown during the ritual.
Depending on each family's circumstances and the local culture, families may prepare salty or vegetarian offerings (with betel leaves, flowers, fruits, gold paper, silver paper, etc.) to bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods.
The traditional offerings for the Kitchen Gods Ceremony typically include the following basic items:
- - 1 plate of rice
- 1 plate of salt
- 5 ounces of boiled pork shoulder (or chicken)
- 1 bowl of soup
- 1 plate of stir-fried vegetables
- 1 plate of sausages
- 1 fried carp fish (or live carp)
- 1 plate of red sticky rice
- 1 plate of fruits
- 1 teapot of lotus tea
- 3 cups of wine
- Betel nuts, betel leaves
- 1 vase of flowers
- A bundle of paper money and gold paper
Currently, many families proactively adjust the dishes in the offering tray to suit the weather or their preparation ability. For example, replacing boiled pork with boiled chicken or changing soup options, etc.
3. Timing and Rituals of Worshiping Ong Cong Ong Tao
Timing of Worshiping Ong Cong Ong Tao
According to Feng Shui experts, the ritual of worshiping Ong Tao should be performed before Ong Tao departs to report to the Jade Emperor (i.e., before 12:00 noon on the 23rd day of the last lunar month). Therefore, depending on each family's time availability, Ong Tao can be worshiped either in the evening of the 22nd day of the last lunar month or in the morning of the 23rd day of the last lunar month.
Rituals of Worshiping Ong Cong Ong Tao
After setting up the offerings, lighting incense, and making prayers, wait for the incense to burn out completely, then light another batch of incense. Perform the thanksgiving ritual, then turn paper offerings into gold and release carp into ponds, lakes, rivers, or streams... to send the carps carrying Ong Tao to ascend to the heavens.
4. Important Considerations for Conducting the Kitchen Gods Ceremony
- Regardless of how busy the homeowner may be, the ritual must be completed before 12:00 noon on the 23rd day of the last lunar month.
- Place the offering tray on the ancestral altar or a separate altar dedicated to the Kitchen Gods, not under the kitchen stove.
- The attire of the homeowner conducting the ritual should be neat, modest, and clean.
- Recite the ritual text loudly, clearly, solemnly, and without engaging in conversation.
- Do not release the carp along with plastic bags into the water.
- Never stand high above and throw or flick fish down, instead, lower yourself to the water's edge to release them.
Here's the guide to preparing the simplest and most complete offering tray for the Kitchen Gods Ceremony. We hope that through the information shared by Mytour, homeowners will be able to prepare thoroughly and meticulously for this important festival day.
