Thanh Hoang (or Than Hoang) is often worshiped at communal houses, temples, and shrines in Vietnamese villages. Thanh Hoang is usually not a deity in many religious cultures but is a sage, a hero, or a meritorious person who has built and contributed greatly to the homeland and society.
People worship the village's Thanh Hoang with the hope of being protected and sheltered for themselves and their families, wishing for a peaceful and prosperous life, warding off evil, and protecting good people.
Below is the prayer to Thanh Hoang at communal houses, temples, and shrines on the occasion of the New Year of At Ty 2025, according to the book "Traditional Nom Prayer" - Hong Duc Publishing House:
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
I bow to the nine directions of Heaven, the ten directions of Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions.
I respectfully bow to the Emperor of Heaven and the Earth and all the deities.
I respectfully bow to you, the current ruler of the year, the most virtuous and merciful god.
I respectfully bow to you, the Great Kings of this land.
My son is... Age...
Located at...
Today is the... day... month... year... (Lunar calendar)
We, the incense children, arrive at the place... (communal house or temple or shrine) and sincerely think: The Great King, having received the mandate of Heaven, descended to Vietnam to be the local Thanh Hoang, the ruler of a region, and has been bestowing blessings and protection on the people for a long time. Now, we, the incense children, sincerely offer this small gift, offering incense, flowers, sticky rice, cakes...
May the Local God and the Great Kings witness, have mercy, and bless us with good health, good fortune, wealth, prosperity, and fulfillment of all our wishes and desires.
I sincerely apologize and ask for your witness.
Namo Amitabha Buddha! (3 times, 3 bows)
Be careful!
