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“Invoking the Earth Deities: A Guide to the Rituals and Offerings on the Waxing Moon and the First Day of the Lunar Month”

Introducing the Art of Vietnamese Folk Tradition: Paying Homage to 'Thổ Công' The revered act of paying homage to 'Thổ Công', the Vietnamese folk deity, on the 15th day and 1st day of every lunar month, is an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. This time-honored tradition involves a sacred ritual of offering prayers and tributes to 'Thổ Công', believed to be the guardian of homes and properties.

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14 July, 2024

The Vietnamese custom of cúng thổ công, or worshipping the God of the Land, is an important tradition that is observed on the 1st and 15th day of every lunar month. This ritual is typically performed before paying respects to one’s ancestors and involves offering prayers and sacrifices to the deity in charge of overseeing the family’s land and property.

1The Significance of Cúng Thổ Công

The Significance of Cúng Thổ Công

Dating back to ancient times, the tradition of cúng thổ công and worshipping various deities served as a way for families to report on the activities and well-being of their members over the past year.

According to Chinese mythology, the God of the Land is also responsible for safeguarding the family’s home and land. As such, the cúng thổ công ritual is performed to seek blessings of prosperity, good fortune, and success in all endeavors related to the family’s land and property.

2Preparing the Offerings and Altar for Cúng Thổ Công

Preparing the Offerings and Altar for Cúng Thổ Công

The type and variety of offerings for cúng thổ công may vary depending on the family’s circumstances and regional customs. Generally, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are included. Here are some specific examples:

Vegetarian offerings: Incense, paper votive money, betel and areca nuts, fresh flowers, white wine, tea, fruits in season or a bunch of bananas, and a box of cakes.

Non-vegetarian offerings: Incense, paper votive money, betel and areca nuts, fresh flowers, white wine, water, a boiled chicken, a boiled piece of pork, braised fish, fried dishes, sticky rice, and other savory dishes.

3The Prayer for Cúng Thổ Công on the 1st and 15th Day of the Month

The Prayer for Cúng Thổ Công on the 1st and 15th Day of the Month

Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!

We bow before the Nine Heavens and the Ten Directions of the Buddhas.

We respectfully bow to the Great God of the Land, the various deities, and the Kitchen God.

We bow to the Five Directions, the Five Types of Soil, and the Gods of Blessings and Virtue.

We bow to the spirits and deities who preside over this region.

We pay our respects to our ancestors, from the earliest generations to the present.

Today is the … day of the … month of the … year in the lunar calendar, corresponding to the … day of the … month of the … year in the solar calendar.

We, the faithful, are …

Living at (state the family’s address) along with our entire family.

With sincerity, we have prepared incense, flowers, tea, fruits, and other offerings, which we now respectfully present before the altar.

We invite the presiding deities and spirits of this region, as well as our ancestral spirits, to descend upon us and witness our sincerity.

We pray that you will accept our offerings and bless our family with peace and harmony. We ask for your protection and guidance so that we may enjoy good health and prosperity during the three summer months and nine winter months. May our wishes for wealth and luck be granted, and may our hearts’ desires be fulfilled.

Our offerings may be humble, but our hearts are sincere. We bow before you with utmost respect.

We have finished our prayer.

Nam mô A Di Đà Phật!

Nam mô A Di Đà Phật! (Bow three times)

For reference: : Learn how to perform the ritual and prayer for a lucky year

4Things to Keep in Mind When Performing Cúng Thổ Công on the 1st and 15th Day of the Month

Things to Keep in Mind When Performing Cúng Thổ Công on the 1st and 15th Day of the Month

To ensure a smooth and respectful ceremony, here are some important points to consider:

The master of the house or the person leading the prayers should dress appropriately and maintain a solemn attitude throughout the ceremony.
Always perform the cúng thổ công ritual before paying respects to the family’s ancestors.
During the cúng thổ công prayers, remember to invoke the names of all the relevant deities.
Prepare the offerings for the Thổ Công altar carefully and in accordance with Vietnamese cultural traditions.
Choose an auspicious day and time, in line with feng shui principles, to bring good fortune and benefit the family.
Use the appropriate prayer for the cúng thổ công ritual, depending on the occasion and the family’s intentions.

For further reading: Discover the most accurate and auspicious prayers for the Year of the Water Rabbit

This article has provided you with the necessary information about the cúng thổ công ritual, including the prayer and the proper way to perform it on the 1st and 15th day of the month. We hope you found it helpful!

Frequently asked questions

Invoking the Earth Deities during this specific lunar phase and day is believed to be an auspicious time for connecting with the divine energies of nature and seeking blessings for abundance, growth, and prosperity. It is a time when the powers of the Earth and Moon are believed to be in harmony, creating a powerful force for manifestation and spiritual work.

Preparing for such a ritual involves creating a sacred space, cleansing and purifying yourself and your environment, setting up an altar with symbolic offerings, and setting a clear intention for your invocation. You may also want to meditate or perform a short ceremony to focus your energy and open yourself to receiving divine guidance and blessings.

Rituals can include chanting sacred mantras, performing mudras (symbolic hand gestures), and offering prayers or songs. Offerings to the Earth Deities may consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, grains, flowers, milk, honey, or other natural items. It is important to offer these with respect and gratitude, presenting them in a beautiful and thoughtful manner.

The waxing moon represents a time of increasing light and energy, symbolizing growth and manifestation. By performing rituals during this phase, it is believed that we can harness this powerful energy to fuel our intentions and manifest our desires. The first day of the lunar month is also significant as it marks a new beginning, a time to set our intentions for the coming month and seek blessings for our endeavors.

You can incorporate these rituals by setting aside time each lunar month to perform them. You may also want to keep a journal to record your experiences, reflections, and any insights gained during these rituals. Over time, you can develop a deeper connection with the Earth Deities and incorporate their wisdom and blessings into your daily life and spiritual journey.