Tips

“The Diverse Celebrations of the ‘Kitchen God’ Festival in Vietnam’s Three Regions”

"The tradition of worshipping the Kitchen Gods varies across the three regions of Vietnam, each with its own unique timing, offerings, and rituals. Let's delve into the fascinating details of this ceremony as practiced in the North, Central, and Southern regions, and explore the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam during this auspicious occasion."

Administrator

11 October, 2024

As the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month nears, Vietnamese families gear up for the unique ritual of bidding farewell to the Kitchen Gods as they ascend to Heaven to report on the household’s deeds from the past year.

Beyond the traditional rituals of offering a grand feast, cleaning the altar, and dressing respectfully, there are distinct regional customs that add to the richness of this tradition.

1 The Northern Ritual: Timing and Offerings

In Northern Vietnam, it is believed that after midday on the 23rd, the Kitchen Gods leave for Heaven. Thus, families perform the ritual early in the morning between the 20th and 23rd, with the latest before noon on the 23rd.

One notable difference is the inclusion of paper or live carp in the offerings, along with traditional dishes. The carp is either burned or released, symbolizing the Kitchen Gods’ ascent. Additionally, sweet sticky rice or “Mrs. Bone”, a delicacy, is offered to ensure the Kitchen Gods’ favorable report to the Jade Emperor.

The solemn ceremony in Northern Vietnam

The North also marks the transition of power between the Heavenly Official and the Kitchen God. Post-ceremony, a ritual to clean the incense cups and altar, rearranging the incense, is performed.

Learn more: A Comprehensive Guide to the Kitchen God Ceremony in 2024

2 Southern Hospitality: A Simplified Ceremony

Southern Vietnam boasts the simplest ceremony, performed on two separate days. The 23rd is for seeing off the Kitchen God, and the 7th of the first lunar month is for welcoming them back. The Southern belief is that the Kitchen God reports to the Jade Emperor from the 23rd to the 30th.

A simple yet meaningful ceremony in Southern Vietnam

The ceremony is held in the evening, post-dinner, between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Offerings may include traditional dishes or a vegetarian feast, peanut and sesame candy, and “flying birds and running horses”—paper cutouts burned to aid the Kitchen Gods’ ascent. Three sets of paper clothes are also offered to the three Kitchen Gods.

Rituals like trimming incense, burning hats and clothes, or releasing carp are not performed in the South.

3 Central Vietnam: A Grand Ceremony

The ceremony in Central Vietnam is considered the most intricate and unique. In Hue and nearby provinces, the Kitchen God is worshipped in two places: the “Trang Ong” altar and a smaller kitchen altar. Before the ritual, the altars are thoroughly cleaned, and new sand is added to the incense cups. After the ceremony, the clay statues are replaced, symbolizing a new “term” for the Kitchen Gods.

The grand and unique ceremony in Central Vietnam

Offerings include a variety of dishes and a paper horse with reins and a saddle. On the morning of the 23rd, a “tree of sticks” is erected to ward off evil spirits while the guardian gods are away, taken down on the 7th of the first lunar month. Additionally, a ceremony is held on the evening of the 30th to welcome the gods back, and new Kitchen Gods are installed on the first day of the new year.

4 Regional Differences: A Cultural Mosaic

A cultural mosaic: Differences in the Kitchen God Ceremony across Vietnam

Northern Vietnam	Central Vietnam	Southern Vietnam
Timing	20th–23rd, before noon on the 23rd	Night of 22nd, dawn of 23rd	8:00–11:00 PM on 23rd
Offerings	Live carp	Paper horse with reins and saddle	Paper hats, clothes, and clogs
Feast	Sticky rice, chicken, head cheese, fried cakes, canned bamboo shoots	Offerings, flowers, fruits, new and old statues. Mackerel or tuna is a must.	Head cheese, pork and veggie rolls, pickled onions, boiled chicken, peanuts, black sesame candy

Despite our shared Vietnamese identity, each region boasts unique customs and traditions, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry. Hopefully, this article shed light on the fascinating differences in the Kitchen God Ceremony across Vietnam’s three regions.

Lunar New Year: Unraveling the Origin and Significance of Tet

Tet, the Lunar New Year celebration, holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. This article delves into the rich history and symbolism behind this joyous festival, offering insights into the traditions and customs that make Tet so beloved.

Discover Vietnam: 12 Biking Destinations for the Adventurous Traveler

Explore Vietnam like never before with these 12 must-visit biking destinations! From breathtaking landscapes to cultural hotspots, Dien May XANH takes you on an adventure across the country. So, grab your bike and get ready to unlock the secrets of this beautiful land.

Vinh Long: A Nature Lover’s Paradise in the Mekong Delta

Embark on a journey to Vinh Long, a charming destination in the Mekong Delta. From lush green fields to intricate canal systems, Dien May XANH guides you through the top check-in spots in this potential tourist hub. Get ready to explore the natural wonders of Vinh Long!

Online Medical Declarations Made Easy: 4 Tips for Using Your Phone or Computer

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, making medical declarations is a responsibility for all Vietnamese citizens. Dien May XANH is here to help with 4 easy methods to make online medical declarations using your smartphone or computer.

Honoring Our Heroes: Expressions of Gratitude for Invalids and Martyrs’ Day

Invalids and Martyrs’ Day on July 27th is a special occasion to honor those who sacrificed for our nation. We express our deepest gratitude and send our warmest wishes to these heroes and their families.

Frequently asked questions

Vietnamese families have a unique tradition of sending off the Kitchen Gods to Heaven, where they report on the household’s deeds from the past year. This ritual takes place on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month and involves offering a grand feast, cleaning the altar, and dressing respectfully.

There are distinct variations across Vietnam. In Northern Vietnam, the ritual is performed in the morning between the 20th and before noon on the 23rd. They offer paper or live carp, sweet sticky rice, and perform a ceremony to mark the transition of power between the Heavenly Official and the Kitchen God. In Southern Vietnam, the ceremony is simplified and held in the evening of the 23rd, with a separate day (7th of the first lunar month) for welcoming the Kitchen Gods back. Central Vietnam has the most intricate ceremony, with the Kitchen God worshipped in two places and unique offerings like a paper horse with reins and a saddle.

In Northern Vietnam, the ritual is held between the 20th and before noon on the 23rd. They offer live carp, sweet sticky rice (‘Mrs. Bone’), and perform a power transition ceremony. Southern Vietnam’s ceremony is held in the evening (8:00 PM – 11:00 PM) on the 23rd, offering traditional dishes, vegetarian feasts, peanut and sesame candy, and paper cutouts. In Central Vietnam, the ceremony is grand with offerings of various dishes, flowers, fruits, and a paper horse. The ritual takes place on the night of the 22nd and dawn of the 23rd.

In Central Vietnam, a ‘tree of sticks’ is erected on the morning of the 23rd to ward off evil spirits while the guardian gods are away. It is taken down on the 7th of the first lunar month, symbolizing a period of protection during the Kitchen Gods’ absence.