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What are the components of Thanh Minh ritual at home?
The Thanh Minh ancestral offering at home does not need to be elaborate, the table set should be in accordance with family traditions, and regional customs, importantly, it should reflect the sincere hearts of descendants.
The Thanh Minh ancestral offering at home typically consists of:
- - Sticky rice - Boiled chicken - Bamboo shoot soup - Vermicelli - Stir-fry dishes - Additional offerings such as fruits, fresh flowers, betel leaves, and symbolic gold, depending on customs.
Buddhist families often prepare vegetarian offerings. If circumstances do not allow, families can simply light incense, offer fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets to express gratitude to ancestors.
What does the Thanh Minh ritual outside the tomb entail?
The Thanh Minh ritual outside the tomb primarily requires preparing the following items:
- - Incense, candles - Betel leaves, gold coins - Clean water - Wine - Fruits - Vegetarian offerings including sticky rice dessert, banana sweet soup, various cakes, water bottle, salted rice, buttered peanuts, honey bowl
Note: Items should be neatly arranged on plates. When placed on the ground, use mats or cloths, and ensure the area is flat before conducting the ritual.
The Thanh Minh ritual outside the tomb also includes worship ceremonies for the Earth Deity and the Land Deity at the ancestral burial site. Families should ensure separate offerings for these deities, such as incense, betel wine, gold coins, paper clothes, etc., according to family traditions.
After arranging the offerings, descendants light incense and candles to show respect to the Earth Deity and the spiritual guardians overseeing the grave area, inviting ancestors to witness the ceremony.
Tips for Visiting Ancestral Graves on Tet Festival
- Ensure the ancestral graves are well-maintained with fresh soil and flowers. It's important to tidy up the area behind the grave as well.
- Practice gentle and cautious movement while visiting. Avoid causing disturbances or disrupting the natural surroundings.
- Avoid venturing into isolated areas for safety reasons. It's advisable to follow established paths left by previous visitors.
- When paying respects at the gravesite, carefully inspect all sides of the tomb. Standing water near the grave can have negative implications for future generations.
The observance of Tet ancestral worship encompasses various rituals both at home and at the gravesite. It is hoped that this article will assist you in adequately preparing for the ceremonies, expressing sincere reverence to your ancestors, and attracting blessings and good fortune.
