According to Vietnamese traditional customs, the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the time for the ceremony to see off Ong Cong Ong Tao. This is the occasion for the Kitchen Gods to go to Heaven to report to the Jade Emperor about the things that have happened in each family throughout a year.
After arranging solemn offerings on the altar, the homeowner (or host) lights incense, lights candles, then sits upright or kneels in front of the ancestral altar, reading prayers.
Ong Cong Ong Tao prayer text - According to the book "Traditional Vietnamese Worship - Rituals and Ritual Practice" (World Publishing House):
Nam Mo Amitabha Buddha (3 times)
I bow to the nine heavens, the ten directions of the Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions;
I bow to Lord Dong Tru Tu Menh Tao Phu Than Quan;
I pray to the gods and goddesses, the paternal and maternal ancestors, along with the predecessors, the instigators, and the unfamiliar ones.
Ladies and gentlemen!
Today is December 23rd of the year...
My name is: ... , residing at: ... ;
Today, I am holding an incense offering ceremony on the day of bringing Ong Cong and Ong Tao to see the gods, I sincerely prepare incense, flowers, and offerings. Therefore, I respectfully ask the councils at all levels to attend the ceremony and witness our sincerity.
I respectfully wish the councils at all levels and departments to come to perform the ceremony for a peaceful and pure day. Please grant blessings and blessings, and bless our whole family with abundant health, peace, prosperity, and all good things.
After praying, read the ritual text:
Today is the last December of the year
It is the day Mr. Tao and Mr. Cong go to heaven
My respectful heart sends my words
Wishing you a peaceful journey to the heavens.
Please tell the Jade Emperor
Bless and bless the human world.
Give me a bright mind.
Understanding cause and effect according to good and evil.
Dispelling the rampant epidemic
Every household is peaceful, gold and money are full in the warehouse.
(Reading the ritual, pray 4 times)
Vietnamese folk beliefs believe that the ceremony of worshiping Ong Cong and Ong Tao should not be performed after 12 noon on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. When worshiping too late, Ong Tao will not have time to go to court. Therefore, homeowners should worship Ong Cong and Ong Tao early and release carp before 12 noon on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month (ie, February 10th of the Gregorian calendar).
Depending on the conditions of each family to choose and arrange appropriately. According to expert Nguyen Song Ha, the best hours to worship Ong Cong Ong Tao and release carp are as follows: Ty hour (11pm-1am), Dan hour (3am-5am), Mao hour (5am-7am), Ngo hour (11am-1pm), Mui hour (1pm-3pm), Dau hour (5pm-7pm).
This day is suitable for homeowners belonging to the Tiger, Monkey, Snake, Pig, Dragon, Dog, Ox, Goat zodiac group. Conflicting zodiac signs need to pay attention and avoid Ky Dau, Dinh Dau, Tan Mui, Tan Suu.
