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The Power of Garlic: Unlocking Prosperity During the Hungry Ghost Festival

Do you know why garlic should be placed on the altar of the God of Wealth?

5 August, 2024

In addition to the ancestral altar and the Kitchen God altar, families who run businesses often have an altar dedicated to the God of Wealth. This deity is believed to bring fortune, prosperity, and luck to the household.

The altar of the God of Wealth is usually placed in a corner of the house, directly on the floor, and next to the entrance to welcome wealth. It should not be placed too high or in a spot that is too clean, beautiful, or grand like the ancestor altar or the Land God altar.

The Vietnamese often use a small, red-lacquered and gold-leafed cabinet or a wooden box wrapped in red paper as the altar for the God of Wealth. Inside the cabinet is a plaque with the names of the God of Wealth and the Earth God, written in gold ink on red paper.

During the Hungry Ghost Month, it is considered auspicious to place a bunch of garlic on the altar of the God of Wealth.

Why is it advisable to place garlic on the altar of the God of Wealth during the Hungry Ghost Month?

Why is garlic displayed on the altar of the God of Wealth and the Earth God?

According to folk beliefs, when offering prayers to the God of Wealth, one should include a plate of garlic consisting of five fresh, plump, and attractive cloves, or a whole bunch of garlic.

Ancient feng shui principles suggest that placing garlic on the altar of the God of Wealth helps the two deities easily ward off “thief ghosts.” As a result, the family’s financial path becomes smoother and broader, leading to prosperous business and a peaceful home.

Additionally, it is recommended to place a toad (Thiềm Thừ) on the left side of the altar. Remember to turn the toad’s face outwards in the morning and inwards at night to prevent wealth, luck, and blessings from escaping.

Ancient feng shui principles suggest that placing garlic on the altar helps the deities ward off “thief ghosts.”

Important considerations to avoid losing wealth when worshipping the God of Wealth

– When inviting the God of Wealth into your home, it is customary to bathe the deity in pomelo leaf water to cleanse it before placing it on the altar.

– Always keep the altar clean by wiping it with pomelo flower water on the 10th day of the first lunar month, the 14th day of each lunar month, and the last day of the month. Use a separate, clean cloth for the God of Wealth’s altar, ensuring that it remains dust-free and free of cobwebs.

– The back of the altar should be against a solid and enclosed wall to prevent the escape of wealth.

– When worshipping the God of Wealth, offer flowers such as chrysanthemums, roses, and money plants. For fruit offerings, choose a selection of five different types of fruit.

– Keep the altar vessels clean and change the water regularly. Arrange five cups of water in the shape of a cross to symbolize the five directions and the five elements for growth.

Frequently asked questions

Garlic is believed to possess powerful spiritual properties during the Hungry Ghost Festival, a traditional Chinese festival. It is said to repel negative energies and protect individuals from bad luck and evil spirits.

The festival, which takes place during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is a time when the gates of hell are believed to open, allowing ghosts and spirits to roam the earth. Garlic is used to create a protective barrier against these spirits, ensuring prosperity and good fortune for individuals and businesses alike.

Businesses and individuals incorporate garlic in various rituals and offerings during the festival. They may hang garlic braids or place garlic bulbs at entrances to ward off evil spirits. It is also common to burn garlic paper money as offerings to the hungry ghosts, seeking their blessings and appeasement.

Yes, there are specific rituals and practices associated with garlic during the Hungry Ghost Festival. One common practice is for individuals to carry garlic amulets or wear garlic jewelry for protection. Some people also participate in garlic-themed parades or performances, believing that the strong scent of garlic can purify their surroundings and bring good luck.

Absolutely! Garlic is often used in conjunction with other traditional rituals and offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival. It can be combined with incense burning, prayer ceremonies, and food offerings to enhance their effectiveness. Many people believe that the combination of garlic and other spiritual practices creates a stronger protective force against negative energies.