Wilted Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are a must-have on the ancestral altar during Tet, and they can be peach blossoms, lilies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. After Tet, it is important to remove the flowers as soon as they start to wilt. It is considered disrespectful to leave wilted flowers on the altar, especially if they start to emit an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is advisable to take them down soon after offering incense and fresh flowers, rather than leaving them on the altar until they wither and then discarding them. This is believed to bring financial loss, according to Vietnamese cultural beliefs.
Paper Money and Gold Leaf
In folk beliefs, ancestors continue to exist in the afterlife, so during Tet, descendants often offer paper money and gold leaf as a sign of respect. Although these items can be offered on the ancestral altar, they should not be left there for an extended period. It is believed that doing so may hinder the family’s financial situation and cause obstacles in their endeavors, resulting in financial losses.

Avoid Leaving Salted Dishes on the Ancestral Altar for Too Long
Therefore, during the ritual of burning paper offerings, it is recommended to burn the paper money and gold leaf as well, rather than leaving them on the altar. This practice is thought to ensure the family’s financial and career prosperity.
Salted Dishes and Cooked Food
During important festivals or significant ceremonies, families often offer incense and salted dishes or cooked food on the ancestral altar or the altar of the God of Wealth. These dishes tend to have a short shelf life and can spoil quickly if left on the altar for too long. As a result, it is advisable to remove them from the altar after the incense has burned out and share them with your loved ones.

Burn Paper Money and Gold Leaf After Offering
If the family is not ready to consume the food immediately, it can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheated when needed. Leaving the food on the altar for an extended period may cause spoilage and is considered wasteful and detrimental to the family’s fortune, according to Vietnamese cultural beliefs.
This information is for reference only and is based on cultural beliefs.
The Three Items on the Altar That Need to Be Removed After the Full Moon Ceremony for Prosperity
“After the paper money burning ritual, it is imperative for the host family to take down the offerings from the altar. It is of utmost importance to remember that there are three specific items that must be removed from the altar; leaving them there could potentially lead to bad luck and financial difficulties for the family.”
The 5 Things You Should Never Place Under an Altar
In the realm of feng shui, it is imperative to maintain a pristine and orderly space for the altar. This sacred area must be treated with the utmost respect, free from any clutter or random objects that could disrupt the harmonious flow of energy. It is believed that a tidy altar space invites positive energy and brings peace and prosperity to the home.