1. Cleaning the Ancestral Altar
On the full moon day, families should clean their ancestral altars. However, it is important to note that the incense burner should not be moved, and one should light an incense stick and pray to the deities and ancestors, informing them of the cleaning ritual before the upcoming full moon ceremony.
2. Performing the Full Moon Ceremony on the Right Day
Due to busy schedules or personal reasons, many families tend to hold the full moon ceremony of the first lunar month a bit earlier, on the 13th or 14th day of the lunar calendar. However, according to feng shui experts, this is not advisable. Families should try to arrange the ceremony on the actual full moon day, which is the 15th day of the first lunar month, neither too early nor too late. Noon is considered the ideal time to perform the ritual.
3. Preparing the Offering Trays
The offering trays for the full moon ceremony of the first lunar month are of great importance. This day is believed to be when the Buddha descended to earth, making it unique compared to other full moon days. Therefore, families should prepare the offering trays meticulously and abundantly, including trays for both the Buddha and the family’s ancestors.
4. Offering Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are a must for the full moon ceremony of the first lunar month. Common choices include yellow chrysanthemums, marigolds, and white lilies.
Families should refrain from using artificial flowers or fruits on the Buddha’s altar and avoid using previously used offerings. Doing so would contaminate the ceremony and fail to demonstrate sincerity.
5. Life Release
Life release is a common practice at temples during the new year. Many families buy birds, fish, or turtles to release, praying for health and good fortune. However, it is important not to release too many animals at once, as this may create opportunities for some individuals to profit from this practice.
6. Visiting the Temple to Pray to the Buddha
The full moon day of the first lunar month is not only the Lantern Festival and the first full moon of the year but also the birthday of the Heavenly Emperor.
To ward off misfortunes from the previous year and pray for peace and blessings in the new year, families should visit the temple to pay their respects to the Buddha, light incense, and make offerings after performing the home ceremony.
7. Doing Good Deeds
On this day, engaging in charitable acts can bring peace to your soul. You will feel a sense of lightness and purpose in your life. Good deeds need not be grand gestures; they can be as simple as donating money, visiting the less fortunate, or helping those around you.
8. Releasing Floating Lanterns
In addition to the above practices, many places organize floating lantern releases on the full moon day of the first lunar month to wish for luck, peace, and success for themselves and their families in the coming year.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Ancestor Worship: Why Bananas Don’t Belong on the Altar.
The humble banana is a ubiquitous fruit, often adorning altars during festive occasions. However, on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, it is customary for homeowners to refrain from offering bananas.
The Altar’s Unfortunate Placement: A Tale of Misfortune and Resilience
If your altar is placed in this ‘wealth-draining’ direction, no matter how hard you work or pray, you will remain persistently poor. It is of utmost importance that you pay attention to this and take the necessary steps to rectify it.
“A Wise Saying About the Roles of Individuals with Different Physical Attributes”
“A wise old saying goes, ‘Those with long backs will aid the king, and those with long legs will roam far and wide.’ This ancient proverb isn’t just a nugget of life advice; it also reflects the aesthetics valued by our ancestors. But what does this saying truly mean?”
What Does Offering Real Money at an Altar Mean? You Won’t Believe the True Meaning Behind This Act!
Many individuals leave real money on the altar when praying or making offerings to their ancestors, believing that this will bring them wealth and prosperity.
The Intriguing Reason Behind Placing a Vase on the Left Side of an Ancestral Altar: Unveiling an Ancient Practice
The vase is an essential item on the altar. Little did you know, the affluent often place a vase on the left side of the altar.
