8 Crucial Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning the Ancestor Altar for Tết to Preserve Its Sacredness and Respect

(Mytour) Cleaning the ancestor altar for Tết is an activity that receives much attention from the Vietnamese, but there are several small yet significant mistakes that are often made due to a lack of knowledge.

During the year-end period, every household is busy tidying up and decorating to prepare for a peaceful new year. Cleaning the altar (also known as bao sái) is the most important task, which must be done carefully and thoroughly, without rushing through it.

As for who should clean the ancestor altar for Tết, it is best for the head of the household to take charge, demonstrating sincerity and respect while maintaining the sacred space for their ancestors and deities. Below are the mistakes that must be avoided when cleaning the ancestor altar for Tết that everyone should keep in mind.
 

When the incense is full, people often trim or dispose of the incense stubs. However, not everyone knows the correct method for doing this, and if done improperly, it can cause the loss of wealth and prosperity.

The proper way to trim incense stubs is to leave exactly five stubs, never removing all of them. It is important not to pull out the incense and then empty the ashes directly into the outside, as this is believed to lead to 'loss of wealth' according to ancient wisdom. Instead, use a small spoon to gently scoop out the ashes and place them outside, then clean the incense bowl and set it aside.

Never discard incense stubs carelessly, and absolutely avoid placing them in unclean areas. According to traditional beliefs, this can invite the wrath of the Gods, leading to misfortune and bad luck. The incense stubs that are trimmed should be burned, and all the ashes are to be cast into a river, lake, or used in watering plants.
 

When cleaning the altar, it is best to use warm water, never cold, especially when cleaning the ancestral tablets. Additionally, avoid moving the incense bowl too much; simply use a clean cloth to wipe off dust and incense residue from the bowl.

The water used for cleaning the altar, washing the incense bowl, or cleaning the vases and dishes should be clean water, set aside specifically for this purpose. Some households even use rainwater or go as far as boiling a pot of water with betel leaves or other herbs to ensure the cleaning process is as pure and respectful as possible.

You can also prepare a herbal water made from five ingredients (cinnamon, star anise, cloves, rosewood, and eucalyptus) or ginger wine to purify and cleanse the worship items. Boil these herbs with 1.5 liters of water, let it cool, and use this water to clean the altar and worship items.

It is important not to clean the ancestral tablets before cleaning the tablets of the gods or Buddha. The Buddha always holds the most honored position and must be prioritized. According to ancient beliefs, failing to do so would be disrespectful, as it may upset the balance between the gods and ancestors, with the gods being at a higher status, potentially causing the ancestors to be overshadowed.

Spiritual practitioners believe that the altar is a sacred place that protects the family, ensuring peace, prosperity, and happiness. It should never be touched or moved carelessly. Doing so could disturb the spirits and prevent them from providing their blessings to the descendants.

Additionally, it is believed that moving the incense bowl too much may cause it to face in the wrong direction, leading to bad luck for the homeowner. This signifies that the sincerity of your offerings may not be recognized by the deities, which can lead to misfortune and affect the family's fate.

Therefore, when cleaning the altar, you should only clean the incense bowl, and avoid touching or moving it, as doing so could lead to the loss of wealth and prosperity.
 

The incense burner on the altar is not only a place to insert incense after prayers, but according to popular belief, it also serves as a container for the homeowner’s wealth.

Always ensure that the ash in the incense burner is filled to maintain a flow of prosperity. When cleaning, the incense burner should not be moved. After each trimming of the incense stubs, remember to add fresh ash or sand to the burner to prevent 'loss of wealth'.
 

Flowers are often placed on the ancestor altar, with families selecting blooms like gladiolus, lilies, chrysanthemums, which are not only beautiful but also last longer. Some families also place a vase of flowers and a vase of fortune to symbolize hopes for prosperity and peace in the new year.

However, there are certain types of flowers that should not be placed on the altar during Tết, and it’s important to be aware of these to avoid any mistakes that might undo your efforts in cleaning the altar for Tết.

One of the critical mistakes to avoid when cleaning the altar for Tết is breaking any sacred items on the altar.

Some people become so nervous when handling sacred items that they end up dropping or breaking them. The worship items on the altar are considered sacred, symbolizing respect for deceased relatives and ancestors. According to traditional beliefs, breaking these items is seen as a sign of disrespect, and it is believed that this can bring misfortune to the homeowner due to a lack of reverence for the deceased.

This is one of the biggest taboos when cleaning the altar. It’s crucial to be extremely careful and gentle to avoid breaking anything. If items are broken, it is believed that ancestors will scold the family, and many bad omens may follow.

Before rearranging the worship items, burn seven gold papers and wave them around the four corners of the altar—above, below, left, and right. Afterward, place the items back and light three incense sticks in the incense bowl, bowing once again in reverence.

Before you take the worship items down to clean them, make sure you remember the exact positions so that they can be placed back correctly. Misplacing the worship items can have a significant impact on the family’s prosperity and fortune.

Worshipping deities, ancestors, and elders, as well as taking care of the ancestor altar during Tết, is a way for descendants to express their filial piety and deep respect for their forebears. It strengthens the bond of bloodline, love, and connection between the living and those who have passed. Therefore, families should pay attention to the mistakes that must be avoided when cleaning the altar for Tết, ensuring the proper performance of sacred rituals and bringing prosperity to their homes.

Related articles in the same topic: