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Should the Kitchen God Festival Ritual Involve Real or Paper Carp?

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Vietnamese people prepare to send off the Kitchen God with a carp. The question arises whether, during this ceremony, one should use a real carp or a paper replica for the worship of the Earth God and the Kitchen God.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

As the year draws to a close, various rituals need to be prepared, including the ceremony of seeing off the Kitchen Gods to Heaven. However, each ritual has its own set of rules that have been passed down through generations to preserve their original meaning. Regarding the ritual of seeing off the Kitchen Gods, many people may wonder: should real or paper carp be used?

1. Real or Paper Carp for the Kitchen Gods Ceremony?

Regarding this frequently asked question, Professor Ngo Duc Thinh (Director of the Center for Research and Preservation of Vietnamese Cultural and Religious Beliefs) states that both real and paper carp can be used for the Kitchen Gods ceremony. The choice depends on the family’s circumstances and convenience.

Real carp is commonly used by families who can afford it and can combine it with the practice of releasing captive animals. Nowadays, there are also many carp-farming villages to meet the demand for this special occasion. On the other hand, paper carp is more economical and convenient, but it is important to note that burning too much paper carp can be wasteful and environmentally unfriendly.

Therefore, we can say that we are free to choose the form of carp for the Kitchen Gods ceremony. However, we must always remember that to have a truly meaningful and beautiful ceremony, we should be mindful of environmental protection and the surrounding landscape.

Meanwhile, according to feng shui expert Nguyen Trong Tuyen – Director of the Institute for Research on Oriental Architecture and Culture, the act of worshipping carp is merely a human conception. Even the method of worshipping live carp has evolved and differs from the past.

Mr. Tuyen says, “Regarding the choice of paper or real carp, according to ancient traditional customs, people would use live carp to worship the Kitchen Gods. After the ceremony, the carp is released into the environment, and only then can it ‘turn into a dragon’ and ascend to heaven. Worshipping paper carp, on the other hand, carries a different meaning, similar to burning fake money.”

According to Mr. Tuyen, in the past, people would choose live carp of a certain size and weight for the ceremony, believing that only then would the carp soon ‘turn into a dragon.’

For further reference: How to choose carp for the Kitchen Gods ceremony? Should it be alive or dead

2. Why is Carp Necessary on the 23rd of the Chạp Month?

Every Vietnamese person has likely heard the tale of the Kitchen Gods, who watch over the warmth and happiness of each family. Annually, these gods return to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor on the events that occurred within the family during the year.

The journey to heaven is believed to be challenging, requiring a special “vehicle,” and carp has been chosen to fulfill this “responsibility.” Explaining this choice, Professor and Doctor Nguyen Chi Ben – a member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, once shared:

“In folk beliefs, people still orally transmit the saying ‘carp leaping over the dragon gate’ or ‘carp turning into a dragon,’ implying that only this fish can fly up to heaven.”

Additionally, carp can survive in various environments, and “carp turning into a dragon” symbolizes perseverance and overcoming adversity to achieve success.

Frequently asked questions

The Kitchen God Festival, also known as the ‘Little New Year,’ is a traditional Vietnamese festival celebrated on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, usually in January or February. It is a time when families offer sacrifices and perform rituals to honor the Kitchen God, believed to be the guardian of the hearth and family.

The Kitchen God is believed to leave the family’s home and return to Heaven on the 23rd day to report on the family’s behavior over the past year. Families offer sweets and fruits, and burn votive paper items as a send-off. The carp is significant as it is believed to help the Kitchen God cross the magical stream to Heaven. Families can choose to use a real carp, which is then released into a river, or a paper carp, symbolizing respect and a wish for good fortune.

The use of a real carp has ecological implications, as releasing non-native fish species into natural waterways can disrupt the ecosystem and cause harm to indigenous fish populations. Paper carp, on the other hand, are seen as a more environmentally friendly option, as they do not impact natural habitats. Some believe that using a paper carp is also more practical and cost-effective, as it avoids the hassle and potential mess of a live fish.

Families can opt for using a paper carp, which symbolizes the same respect and wishes for good fortune as a real carp, without causing ecological damage. They can also perform the rituals with a focus on sustainability, such as using biodegradable materials for offerings and minimizing waste. This way, they can uphold tradition while also being mindful of the environment.

Yes, there are regional variations to the festival. In some areas, families may also offer a new coat and hat to the Kitchen God, believed to protect him from the cold during his journey to Heaven. Other rituals may include cleaning the house thoroughly, paying respect to ancestors, and enjoying special festival foods.