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The ancestral worship tray, also known as the tray for the spirits on the seventh lunar month, is a common practice in Vietnam during the seventh lunar month. The purpose of this ceremony is to ward off evil, bring luck, and peace to the family. Therefore, performing this ritual on this day is often highly regarded. In this article, PasGo will introduce you to a simple ancestral worship tray and things to keep in mind.
1. Ancestral Worship Tray on the Seventh Lunar Month
Preparing an ancestral worship tray (cô hồn tray) is not as complex and difficult as you might think. Continue reading to learn how to prepare a simple yet complete worship tray, adhering to the ritual practices!
1.1. Offerings for the ancestral spirits on the 7th lunar month
Different regions may have slight variations in offerings, but a basic ancestral spirit offering typically includes the following items:
- Salt and rice.
- 3 small cups of water.
- 3 incense sticks and 2 small candles.
- 12 sugar cubes.
- 12 small bowls of white porridge (or 3 portions of pressed rice).
- Offering cakes and candies.
- Sugarcane (cut into small sections of 15cm each).
- Gold or imitation gold money (or small denomination real money such as: 1000 VND, 2000 VND).
- Popcorn, corn, boiled cassava, boiled sweet potatoes.
- Five-colored fruits (5 fruits with 5 different colors).
Simplified ancestral spirit offering for the 7th lunar month
1.2. Arranging a simple ancestral worship tray
The ancestral tray for the spirits on the seventh lunar month also follows specific arrangement rules:
- After preparing the ceremonial items, place the incense holder in the center as the focal point. Then, position the candles, bowls of rice, and salt alongside the incense holder for symmetry. Next, arrange 3 cups of wine and 3 cups of water behind the incense holder.
- The porridge, sweet soups, and sticky rice are arranged in a horizontal line for aesthetic appeal.
- Fruits are arranged according to the rules of Western and Eastern fruits. This means placing the flower vase in the East and fruits in the West. Then, place the gold paper offerings and flowers on top.
- The plate of offering cakes is placed next to the flower vase for a sense of harmony.
- Additionally, remember to set up 6 sets of chopsticks and spoons for the spirits to partake in the offerings.
1.3. Significance of the ancestral spirit offering on the seventh lunar month
According to folklore, every year on the second day of the seventh lunar month, the King of Hell opens the Gates of Hell to allow hungry ghosts to return to the mortal world. However, after midnight on the 14th day of the seventh month, they must return to the underworld. Hence, it's customary for people to prepare offerings to appease the wandering spirits on the 2nd and 16th of the seventh month to avoid disturbances.
The offerings on the altar are meticulously arranged
Aside from providing solace to wandering souls before their return to the underworld, the ritual of offering food to departed spirits during the seventh lunar month also embodies high humanitarian values. It's akin to the universal significance of forgiveness and compassion. It suggests that regardless of one's wrongdoings, everyone deserves a day of absolution to alleviate some of their pain and suffering. The Ghost Festival is not merely a superstition but also reflects the noble spirit of compassion and reverence for departed souls.
2. Points to note about offerings for the Ghost Festival on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month
There are some important considerations to note for offerings during the Ghost Festival on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month:
2.1. Offerings are placed outdoors
According to tradition, offerings are made outdoors. Therefore, to conduct the ritual of offering to departed spirits, one should choose an outdoor location such as an empty plot of land, a sidewalk, or a sparsely populated intersection. Avoid placing the offerings directly in front of the house gate or in the middle of the yard facing the main entrance.
Homeowners should be careful not to perform the ritual of offering to departed spirits indoors. According to folklore, conducting such rituals indoors is equivalent to inviting wandering spirits into the home. It could affect the feng shui of the house and lead to unfortunate situations, such as disturbances caused by evil spirits.
2.2. Timing for setting up the Ghost Festival altar in July
Avoid placing the altar in the center of the courtyard or indoors
In addition to the location, the timing for setting up the Ghost Festival altar in July is also crucial. The ritual should be performed in the late afternoon, particularly during the hour of the Rooster (from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). According to traditional belief, this is the twilight hour when spirits easily come and receive offerings. If the ritual is conducted too early during the daytime when there is ample light, the spirits may still feel weak and hesitant to approach the altar.
2.3. People should not stay near the Ghost Festival altar
During the Ghost Festival in July, elderly individuals, children, and pregnant women should avoid standing beside or near the altar. This helps prevent unwanted situations and protects them from being teased or disturbed by wandering spirits during the ritual.
3. Questions about offerings to departed spirits (Ghost Festival)
In addition to the important considerations mentioned above, there are some other crucial points to address regarding offerings to departed spirits during the Ghost Festival in July:
3.1. Can the items on the Ghost Festival altar be consumed?
In folk tradition, it's believed that one should not consume offerings to departed spirits as it may invite more wandering spirits into the house, leading to unfortunate situations for the homeowner. However, nowadays, the majority opinion has shifted, suggesting that offerings can indeed be consumed. You can share the blessings of the Ghost Festival by offering food to the needy or asking for alms from those who are skinny and hungry.
3.2. Are offerings to departed spirits vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
Offerings on the altar are usually vegetarian dishes
During the Ghost Festival in July, it's advisable to avoid offering salty dishes and focus on preparing vegetarian food. Homeowners should refrain from offering chicken rice and other salty dishes during this occasion. Instead, they should prepare the suggested offerings as mentioned above.
3.3. How is the Ghost Festival altar in July different from other months?
The Ghost Festival altar in July is organized with more solemnity and sanctity. Folklore suggests that this is a time of chaos between the realms of the living and the dead. Without proper preparation, it may anger the spirits and make it difficult to appease them, causing disturbances in the homeowner's life. Therefore, most families offer to departed spirits in the seventh month and meticulously prepare for it.
The Ghost Festival in July is the main ritual for departed spirits
Offering to departed spirits is not complicated, and the altar does not require excessive offerings. You just need to follow the suggested list above, arrange them properly, and remember the important considerations for conducting the ritual for departed spirits. Once the altar is prepared, homeowners proceed with the offerings, prayers, and recitations for departed spirits.
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