1. Be cautious to avoid breaking any worship items
In worship rituals, caution and dexterity are always prioritized. Breaking worship items, whether accidentally or intentionally, is considered a major taboo, signifying bad luck. Although this belief has not been specifically proven, during the cleaning of the altar for the Rằm festival in the seventh lunar month, the host family should be careful to avoid any unwanted incidents, as “what is worshipped is sacred, and what is avoided is blessed.”
Breaking worship items, whether accidentally or intentionally, is considered a major taboo, signifying bad luck.
2. Do not use ginger wine or chemical cleaning solutions for cleaning the altar for the Rằm festival in the seventh lunar month
Many people believe that ginger wine can help clean the altar more thoroughly and leave a pleasant scent due to its antiseptic properties and pleasant aroma. However, ginger wine has a high heat index, and chemical cleaning solutions such as glass cleaners or diluted soap can damage the altar surface, especially wooden altars.
Instead of using ginger wine or chemical solutions, opt for cooled boiled five-spice powder water. Additionally, ready-to-use altar cleaning solutions are available in the market, containing precious herbal ingredients like bois de rose, bodhi leaves, agarwood, and sandalwood, making the cleaning process more convenient.
3. Do not move the incense pot when cleaning the altar for the Rằm festival
One of the biggest taboos when cleaning the altar is to avoid moving the incense pot. The incense pot is the most sacred item on the altar, symbolizing the connection between the living and the deceased, and it is where the family expresses their wishes to their ancestors. Therefore, the incense pot must be kept in its original position to maintain peace and stability in the altar’s feng shui.
4. Do not rearrange the tablet hierarchy when cleaning the altar for the Rằm festival
During the cleaning process, it is imperative to follow the correct order when cleaning the tablets. If there is a Buddha statue on the altar, clean the Buddha’s tablet first, followed by the ancestors’ tablets. This not only shows respect but also ensures harmony in the worship space.
The information in this article is for reference only and is subject to personal interpretation.
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