When is Kitchen Gods' Day 2024? Best time for the farewell ritual

Kitchen Gods' Day is an indispensable traditional ritual every Lunar New Year. The ritual of sending the Kitchen Gods to heaven does not require elaborate arrangements. However, it must adhere to the rituals and demonstrate sincerity. Let's explore with Mytour when the best time to worship the Kitchen Gods is, what offerings are needed, and the proper worship ceremony.

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What is Kitchen Gods' Day?

The Kitchen Gods, in Vietnamese culture, consist of three deities representing Earth, Home, and Kitchen, through the legend of 'Two Gods and One Goddess'. Therefore, when referring to the Kitchen Gods, it is believed that they are the deities overseeing and observing worldly affairs in each household.

Every year, on the Kitchen Gods' Day, the deities ascend the carp to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor about the events of the past year. Thus, the worship and sending off of the Kitchen Gods to heaven have become a cultural beauty of the Vietnamese people. This reflects the desire to rid oneself of all the troubles of the past year and to wish for good things for the upcoming year.

When is Kitchen Gods' Day 2024?

Since ancient times, the Vietnamese people have shown reverence and always worshipped the Kitchen Gods in the hope that they would bring warmth and happiness to their families. According to tradition, every year, Kitchen Gods' Day falls on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month (which is December 23rd in the Lunar calendar). In 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, this day will be on Friday, February 2nd.

However, on that day, many people still have to work. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the Kitchen Gods' Day ritual at noon on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month; you can start from the 21st. But remember to finish before the time of the Horse (from 11 am to 1 pm) on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month.

The significance of worshipping the Kitchen Gods

Tao Quan, the Kitchen Gods, are considered the arbiters of luck, misfortune, and blessings for homeowners. Moreover, he is tasked with warding off the intrusion of demons, maintaining peace within the household. Thus, the ritual of preparing the Kitchen Gods' Day altar is performed with the desire to receive warmth and plenty. Furthermore, it signifies honoring the Kitchen God, the overseer of the kitchen. After returning to heaven, Tao Quan will report to the Jade Emperor about each family's affairs.

Carp is seen as the means for the Kitchen Gods to return to heaven. On the day of preparing the Kitchen Gods' Day altar, after completing the ritual, families often offer carp and release them into the river or pond. This action symbolizes 'carp leaping over the dragon gate' or 'carp turning into dragons.' Carp becomes a symbol of advancement, the spirit of overcoming difficulties, patience, and perseverance to achieve success.

Additionally, to prepare a prosperous offering altar, you can consider using smart home appliances. These items help you save time and create attractive dishes. Smart home appliance products suitable for you include:

When is the auspicious time for Kitchen Gods' Day ritual 2024?

When to perform the Kitchen Gods' Day ritual, and at what time is it considered auspicious? From the perspective of Feng Shui, choosing the date and time for the ritual is crucial as it will determine the fortune of the family in the new year. Below is a list of auspicious dates and times for the ritual based on the zodiac signs. It helps bring more peace, wealth, and luck to the family.

On the 20th day of the 12th lunar month (corresponding to January 11, 2024, Gregorian calendar): This day is Kỷ Tỵ. The favorable hours are: Ox: 1:00 to 3:00; Tiger: 7:00 to 9:00; Horse: 11:00 to 13:00; Goat: 13:00 to 15:00; Dog: 19:00 to 21:00; Pig: 21:00 to 23:00. Among them, the hour of the Horse on the 20th day of the 12th lunar month is called the Auspicious Hour. This is the most suitable time to prepare the Kitchen Gods' Day altar.

On the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month (corresponding to January 14, 2024, Gregorian calendar). The auspicious hours are: Tiger: 7:00 to 9:00; Serpent: 9:00 to 11:00. Among them, the hour of the Tiger is the most auspicious. However, the hour of the Horse on the 23rd day of this year coincides with the inauspicious hour, so you should not make offerings.

Additionally, you should not make offerings later than 12:00 noon on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month. Because this is the time when the Kitchen Gods ascend to heaven.

Things to Avoid When Making Offerings to the Kitchen Gods' Day Altar

After knowing when is the auspicious time for making offerings to the Kitchen Gods' Day altar, you should also be aware of some taboos when preparing the altar below:

• It's advisable not to conduct the Kitchen Gods' Day ritual in the kitchen. Even if you set up an altar for the Kitchen Gods in the kitchen, when sending them off to heaven, the homeowner should still set up an additional offering table at the main altar. This ensures the solemnity of the ritual.
• Homeowners should wait for about half a week until the incense has burned out before burning the Kitchen Gods' hats.
• Although not overly strict about the offerings on the Kitchen Gods' Day altar, it's recommended to avoid dishes made from duck, chicken, goose, buffalo, goat, dog, etc.
• After the ritual, release the carp that has been offered into the river or pond. When releasing the carp, do it gently without standing high and tossing them forcefully in a rude manner.
• The person performing the ritual and reciting the offering prayer should dress neatly and tidily. Avoid wearing overly short or inappropriate clothing, which does not conform to Vietnamese customs and traditions.

Essentials for a Proper Kitchen Gods' Day Offering Table

Surely, you're also curious about what's needed for a Kitchen Gods' Day offering table, right? The offering table may vary, but it can generally be divided into:

• Vegetarian offering table: cakes, fruits, sautéed vegetables, pickled onions, sticky rice with red gac fruit, betel leaves, imitation gold, 1 vase of flowers.
• Savory offering table: 1 plate of rice, 1 plate of salt, 3 cups of rice wine, boiled pork, boiled or roasted chicken, sautéed vegetables, pickled onions, sticky rice with red gac fruit, pork sausage, soup with vegetables, grilled carp (in the Southern region, snakehead fish is often offered), fresh fruits, tea, wine, betel leaves, 1 bundle of paper money, imitation gold, 1 vase of flowers.

Today, Kitchen Gods' Day offerings tend to be simplified but still suitable for the ritual. Depending on the cultural practices of different regions, the food offerings may vary. Additionally, homeowners should be mindful that regardless of how streamlined the offerings are, they should avoid dishes related to duck, chicken, goose, buffalo, goat, dog, etc.

Traditional Offerings for Kitchen Gods' Day Ritual

Apart from knowing what's needed for the Kitchen Gods' Day offering table, to be able to meet Ngoc Hoang, Vietnamese people also believe in the importance of thorough preparation for the Kitchen Gods before sending them off to heaven with the following rituals:

• Three Kitchen Gods' Hats: Two for the male Kitchen Gods and one for the female. The hats for the Kitchen Gods have two flaps. The hat for the Kitchen Goddess does not have flaps. Many people offer only one set of Kitchen God's hat (with two flaps) symbolically.
• Imitation gold for symbolism
• Offering table with savory or vegetarian dishes as instructed above.
• Carp: The carp should be big and healthy. When you gently touch the fish tank, they should swim quickly with strong movements, without scratches or missing scales.

Depending on each family's tradition, the ritual items and offerings for the Kitchen Gods' Day may vary. However, a savory offering table is considered essential and indispensable.

Ritual for Kitchen Gods' Day on the 23rd

The ritual prayer for the Kitchen Gods is the way homeowners express their gratitude. While the offerings may not be complete, reciting a prayer must be done with utmost seriousness and solemnity. Here are some examples of Kitchen Gods' Day prayers:

Prayer 1:

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

I humbly pay respects to the nine skies, ten directions of Buddhas, and Buddhas of ten directions.

I respectfully honor the Eastern Palace and the Heavenly Soldiers of the Kitchen Gods.

Our faith lies in: ............

Residing at: ............

Today, on the 23rd day of the Twelfth Lunar Month, we, with sincere hearts, prepare offerings of flowers and incense, don our finest attire, and respectfully offer tribute to the deities. We light the incense with devotion.

We respectfully invite the Eastern Palace and the Heavenly Soldiers of the Kitchen Gods to graciously accept the offerings.

We bow to the Deities, seeking forgiveness for all the mistakes made by our household in the past year. May the Deities bestow blessings and protection upon our entire household, men and women, young and old, granting us abundant health, safety, prosperity, and all things auspicious. With sincere hearts, we offer our respects and prayers, seeking the benevolent protection of the Deities.

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Ceremonial Invocation for Tet Kitchen Gods 2:

We pay homage to the Most High.

We pay homage to the Five Deities, the Eastern Azure Emperor, the Southern Crimson Emperor, the Western White Emperor, the Northern Black Emperor, and the Central Yellow Emperor.

We pay homage to the celestial generals and commanders of the upper court.

We pay homage to the celestial generals and commanders of the middle court.

We pay homage to the celestial generals and commanders of the lower court.

We pay homage to the mountain deities, dragon deities, earth deities, earth officials of the Kitchen Gods, and the earth's witnesses.

Today marks the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, the day when the Kitchen God returns to the heavens.

I, the devotee, named..., born on..., from..., residing at...,

With sincere reverence, I offer some offerings, incense, and candles to invite the Highest Deity, the Five Deities, the Celestial Generals, the Heavenly Marshals, the Heavenly Banners, the Heavenly Horses, and all celestial and terrestrial deities to witness as I bid farewell to the Earth God, the Kitchen God, and send him back to heaven.

I pay homage to the Earth deity, the Earth goddess, the Earth officials of the Kitchen Gods, and the earth's witnesses. Thanks to your blessings over the past year, we have been healthy, happy, and fortunate.

Today, with a heart full of reverence, I bid farewell to you, the Kitchen God, and pray to the Highest Deity, the Five Deities, and all celestial deities to bless and protect my country, my homeland, my family, and my ancestors, ensuring our health, happiness, and prosperity. I beseech the Highest Deity, the Five Deities, and all celestial deities to witness my sincere heart.

I wish the Highest Deity, the Five Deities, and all celestial deities a prosperous New Year!

(I express my gratitude, I express my gratitude, I express my gratitude)

After the ritual is completed, perform the bowing ceremony nine times.

The Tết ông Công ông Táo ritual is often passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, there may be variations in the invocation. The most important thing is still the solemnity and sincerity.

Questions about the Kitchen Gods' Day

The Kitchen Gods' Day ritual is an important ceremony before the Lunar New Year. However, not everyone understands the other related aspects of this holiday. In addition to questions about when to worship the Kitchen Gods and what offerings to prepare, to gain knowledge about this day, you can follow the useful information below:

Who is the Kitchen God?

The legend of '2 men and 1 woman' in Vietnamese culture explains the Kitchen Gods. On the Kitchen Gods' Day, three deities are referenced: the God of the Earth, the God of the House, and the God of the Kitchen. People commonly refer to them collectively as the Kitchen Gods or Kitchen Guardians.

When is Kitchen Gods' Day 2024?

According to Vietnamese culture, the ritual of sending the Kitchen Gods back to heaven occurs every year on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, before the Lunar New Year. In 2024, the year of the Rat, the official day for sending the Kitchen Gods back to heaven is February 2nd, 2024, in the Gregorian calendar.

Is there a procession to bring the Kitchen Gods home?

In addition to Kitchen Gods' Day on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, there is also a tradition of bringing the deities home on the 30th day. If there is no 30th day in a year, the ritual is held on the 29th day. The important thing is to do it before New Year's Eve.

The ritual of bringing the Kitchen Gods home has been passed down through many generations:

I respectfully bow to the nine directions of the sky, the ten directions of the Buddhas, and the Buddhas of the ten directions.

I pay homage to the Honorable Present Life, the Birth and the Enlightenment, Lord Buddha.

I pay homage to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who rescues and relieves the suffering of all beings.

I pay homage to the Celestial Emperor, the Earthly Sovereign, and all the revered deities.

I pay homage to the former celestial administrators: Trinh Vuong Celestial Administrator, and Thach Tinh celestial soldier commander.

I respectfully bow to the current celestial administrator: Liu Tao, the celestial judge.

I pay homage to the Five Directions, the Five Tigers, the Dragon Veins, the Kitchen Gods, and all the revered deities.

Now, at the auspicious moment of the lunar new year's eve, in the year... (lunar year name), we are..., born in..., currently residing at...

As the sacred moment of the new year arrives, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, the three luminaries shine brightly, heralding a myriad of auspicious omens. Today, the Kitchen Gods, heavenly deities above, obey the orders of the Supreme Deity, overseeing all beings under their protective gaze, dispelling malevolent spirits. Departing officials return to the celestial court to retain blessings and gratitude. New officials descend, embodying virtues of filial piety, bestowing wealth and prosperity.

On this auspicious occasion of the lunar new year, we, the faithful, earnestly prepare floral offerings and ceremonial objects, offering them solemnly before the divine presence. We present offerings to the Holy Buddha and dedicate ourselves to the revered deities, igniting the sacred incense with heartfelt reverence.

We respectfully invite: the Retiring Celestial Administrator, the Incoming Celestial Administrator, the Virtuous Kitchen God, the Founding King of the City, the Local Earth Deity, the Principle Deities of Blessings, the Five Directions, the Five Earths, the Dragon Vein Spirits, the Kitchen Gods, and all the deities governing this land, humbly requesting their presence to accept our offerings.

May the faithful: Enjoy abundant prosperity, dwell in peace and happiness, and may every moment be filled with tranquility, while their households thrive and prosper.

We humbly present offerings and earnestly pray. We bow to the nine celestial realms, the ten directions of Buddhas, and all the revered deities, requesting their blessings and protection.

Namo Amitabha Buddha! (recite 3 times, bow 3 times).

How many carp fish are enough for Kitchen God offering?

The custom of escorting the Kitchen God symbolizes the wish for warmth, happiness, and the casting away of worries from the previous year. Therefore, the preparation of offerings should be thorough, depending on each family's circumstances. In addition to the traditional offerings for the Kitchen God during Tet, it's important to prepare carp fish. Ideally, the household should prepare 3 healthy carp fish, symbolizing the 3 Kitchen Gods in the house. However, the quantity is generally not crucial. The key is to choose healthy fish and offer them with sincere reverence.

Where should the Kitchen God altar be placed?

In folk culture, the Kitchen God altar is often placed near the kitchen, as it is the central gathering place for every family. However, when escorting the Kitchen God back to heaven, you should also set up an altar in the main worship area. This demonstrates solemnity and reverence on the Kitchen God Day.

Above are some details about the rituals of Kitchen God Tet, including auspicious timings for offerings, essential items for the altar, meanings, and taboos. This is a beautiful aspect of Vietnamese cultural and spiritual life that needs to be preserved and passed down through generations. Lunar New Year is approaching, so let's prepare thoroughly to welcome a peaceful new year!

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