The day of Ong Cong Ong Tao (December 23rd of the lunar calendar) this year falls on Tuesday, February 10th of the Gregorian calendar. This is the time marking the transition from the old year to the stage of preparing to welcome the Lunar New Year.
According to folk beliefs, the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the occasion for the Kitchen Gods to leave the lower world and go to the heavenly court to report to the Jade Emperor about the events that have taken place in each family over the past year. Therefore, families often prepare elaborate offerings, expressing respect and wishing for a peaceful and favorable new year.
Besides the religious element, the custom of worshiping Ong Cong and Ong Tao also has the meaning of reminding people to look towards family lifestyle, valuing the warmth and neatness of the worship and living space.
Cleaning the altar and kitchen on this occasion is also considered a way to "refresh" the house, closing the incomplete things of the old year.
Rituals such as cleaning the altar, preparing offerings, releasing carp are usually completed before 12 noon on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, or carried out a few days earlier. In folk beliefs, this is the time for the Kitchen Gods to "depart" in time, completing their mission to report to the Jade Emperor.
Regarding the offering tray, the customs of each region are different. For people in the North, traditional offering trays are often prepared according to the principle of having enough bowls and plates, showing prosperity. In simplified cases, basic dishes such as sticky rice, boiled chicken, spring rolls, spring rolls, soup, stir-fried dishes and wine are still considered necessary offerings to maintain the full meaning of the ritual.
Whether organized in a simple or elaborate form, the day of Ong Cong Ong Tao is still a unique cultural activity, reflecting the belief, lifestyle and desire for peace of every Vietnamese family before the New Year.
