According to feng shui expert Nguyen Song Ha, for the worship ceremony of Ong Cong and Ong Tao to take place completely, homeowners need to pay attention to some important points when preparing and performing the worship ceremony.
Meaning of the day of sending off the Kitchen Gods to heaven (Celebration ceremony for Ong Cong Ong Tao)
In Vietnamese culture, Ong Cong and Ong Tao are not only the gods who determine the blessings of the family but also the "wire" connecting the lower realm and the celestial court.
The ceremony to see off Ong Cong and Ong Tao on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is an opportunity for homeowners to express their gratitude and send wishes for a peaceful new year. To perform this ritual, preparing transportation means such as carp and a plate of savory and sweet offerings is indispensable.
List of prepared offerings
Depending on the conditions and customs of each region, the offering tray may vary but usually includes.
- Offerings
Fresh flower vases, five-fruit plates, incense, lamps, dry tea, wine, cốm candies and jams. Especially indispensable is the Kitchen Gods worship paper set (two hats for grandfathers, one hat for grandmothers) along with gold money and paper horses.
- Salty rice tray
Popular are boiled chicken or boiled pork, banh chung (or banh tet), pickled onions, soup and stir-fried vegetables. Many families also prepare three bowls of tea with water with the hope that everything will go smoothly and smoothly.
- Carp release
This is the most important item, playing the role of a means for the gods to fly back to heaven. After the ceremony ends, carp will be released into ponds, lakes or large rivers.
To add luck, families of merchants, big businesses, and wealthy people often offer red carp.
Notes on the Kitchen Gods procession day
After seeing off the gods to heaven, on the 29th day of Tet, families will perform the ceremony of bringing the Kitchen Gods back to the family gate.
This is a ritual to pray for blessings and protection for the family to have "national peace and prosperity", and for all members to have a warm and happy life throughout from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.
