1. What is the ‘Tam Sen’ trio? What is its significance?
The ‘Tam Sen’ trio is a unique offering of three creatures that inhabit three distinct environments, symbolizing the elements of Earth, Water, and Sky. This special ensemble is presented as a token of reverence during ceremonies dedicated to deities and is believed to bring prosperity, good health, and harmony to the offering family.
What is the ‘Tam Sen’ trio?
The significance of the ‘Tam Sen’ lies in its ability to convey the devotee’s utmost respect and gratitude to the divine beings. It also holds importance in feng shui, representing the harmonious balance of the natural elements. Additionally, from a Buddhist perspective, the trio represents three of the four types of birth: womb birth, egg birth, and moisture birth.
2. What does the ‘Tam Sen’ trio entail for the God of Wealth ceremony?
A complete ‘Tam Sen’ offering for the God of Wealth ceremony consists of primary and secondary offerings.
What are the primary offerings in the ‘Tam Sen’ trio?
The ‘Tam Sen’ trio for the God of Wealth ceremony symbolizes creatures from three distinct habitats: Earth, Water, and Sky. So, what does the ‘Tam Sen’ include? Ideally, it comprises the following:
- A piece of cooked pork belly, representing creatures that dwell on land (Earth) and those born from the womb.
- Three cooked shrimps or one cooked crab, symbolizing aquatic life (Water) and those born in damp conditions (moisture birth).
- A boiled egg, representing Sky or Egg Birth, encompassing beings born from eggs.
Omission of any of these elements would render it incomplete and diminish its sacred significance.
3. Important considerations when preparing the ‘Tam Sen’ trio
What should the host family keep in mind when preparing the ‘Tam Sen’ for the ceremony?
During the God of Wealth ceremony or any other ritual, the host family should heed the following guidelines when preparing the ‘Tam Sen’ trio:
- For meat, either cook or grill a sizable piece without cutting it into smaller portions.
- Opt for an odd number of shrimps, such as 3 or 5, instead of an even number. If using crab, one is sufficient.
- Choose an odd number of eggs, such as 1, 3, or 5, and boil them.
Once the food is prepared, the host family can arrange all three dishes on a single platter, adding decorative touches for a more appealing presentation.
Depending on the type of ceremony, the host family may include additional items such as:
- Chrysanthemums
- Fruit platter
- Water and clear liquor
- Confectioneries, etc.
4. Can the ‘Tam Sen’ trio be consumed after the ceremony?
Upon completion of the ceremony, the ‘Tam Sen’ trio can be set aside, and the host family may consume the offerings as a way of partaking in the blessings. This act is known as ‘enjoying the blessings’ and can be extended to other family members.
The ‘Tam Sen’ trio holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of Southern Vietnam, although its meaning may not be universally understood, especially by those from other regions for whom the concept may be unfamiliar.