In the cultural life of Vietnamese people, the year-end ceremony has the meaning of closing an old year that has passed and opening a new journey. This is not only a spiritual ritual but also an opportunity for children and grandchildren to express their gratitude to ancestors and gods; and at the same time connect family members in a reunion atmosphere before the New Year transition moment.
According to custom, the worship ceremony usually takes place in the afternoon of the 29th or 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, when the cleaning and decoration of the house has been completed and the altar has been neatly arranged. This year, because there is no 30th day of the Lunar New Year, the worship ceremony may take place on the 28th or 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.
The offering tray can be large or small depending on the conditions of each family, but the most important thing is still the sincerity and solemnity of the homeowner.
After arranging incense and flowers, offerings, the homeowner lights incense and reads a year-end prayer to respectfully report to ancestors and all deities, praying for the family to enter the new year with good luck, health and harmony.
Below is a year-end prayer text excerpted from the book "Traditional Prayers of Vietnamese People" (Lao Dong Publishing House):
Depending on the conditions, families prepare different offerings, then read the year-end prayer to pray for a peaceful and lucky new year. Photo: Linh Trang
After preparing the offering tray, the homeowner reads the year-end prayer (according to the book "Traditional prayers of Vietnamese people" - Lao Dong Publishing House):
Nam mô a di đà Phật!
Nam mô a di đà Phật!
Nam mô a di đà Phật!
- I bow to the nine heavens, the ten directions of Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions.
- I respectfully bow to the Emperor, Heaven, Earth, and all the venerable gods.
- I respectfully bow to Lord Kim Nien Duong cai Thai Tue Chi Duc Ton Than...
- I respectfully bow to Lord Ban Canh Thanh Hoang Chu Vi Dai Vuong.
I respectfully bow to the Five Directions. Five Earths, Dragon veins, God of Wealth, God of Family, Kitchen Gods and the gods who govern in this process.
- I respectfully bow to the ancestors of Cao Tang To Khao, Cao Tang To Tri, Tien Linh Noi Ngoai Ho...
Today is December 28/29 of the Giap Thin year.
Our believers are...
Located at...
Before the court, it is necessary to report:
Winter is coming to an end
Years of hardship, months with end
Spring tiết gắn kế
Minh Nien coming soon
Today is the 28th/29th of Tet, we and the entire family prepare offerings, incense and flowers, rich rice and soup, prepare a year-end ceremony, offer to the Heavenly and Earthly Gods, dedicate to the ancestors, and commemorate all spirits. As usual, tuế trụ cáo tế, bow to all the Gods, liệt vị Gia tiên, bản xứ Tiến Hậu, all the incense and spirits descend to the court, phủ thuỳ chứng giám, enjoy offerings, and bless the whole family with peace and prosperity, always being healthy, all peace, all good things, and family harmony.
We offer sincere offerings, before the altar, respectfully offer offerings and firewood, asking for blessings and protection.
Nam mô a di đà Phật!
Nam mô a di đà Phật!
Nam mô a di đà Phật!
