When to Use a Rooster and When to Use a Hen for Ancestral Worship?
Vietnamese people traditionally prefer roosters for ancestral worship. Ancestors believed that a young, castrated rooster that does not mate represents purity in offerings. Additionally, the rooster’s crow connects the spiritual world. Influenced by the patriarchal ideology, using a hen for ancestral worship is considered less respectful than using a rooster.
However, there are occasions when a hen is more appropriate. Feng shui spiritualists believe that during New Year’s Eve, a rooster is used to call upon the sun. But on certain occasions, a hen with undeveloped eggs symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and fertility, especially when praying for children in families facing infertility issues.
Usually, a rooster is used for ancestral worship, but there are times when a hen is preferred.
Can the Ancestral Worship Chicken Be Cut into Pieces?
Nowadays, with better economic conditions, people often offer a whole chicken, placing it aesthetically on a plate to resemble a crowing rooster. Moreover, presenting the entire chicken facing the altar in a praying posture demonstrates reverence to deities and ancestors.
However, when included in a ceremonial feast, it can be cut and placed on a dish. But for families adhering to traditional beliefs, it is advisable to offer the whole rooster, facing the altar and positioned in a praying posture, with its wings tucked in.
Should the Chicken Face Towards or Away from the Incense Burner?
According to ancient customs, when placed on an altar, the chicken must face the incense burner, assuming a praying posture, to demonstrate the host’s reverence. While facing outwards may look more pleasing, it does not convey respect towards the ancestors and deities. From a feng shui perspective, the chicken should face the altar, symbolizing a crowing chicken that respects the spiritual realm and ancestors. Conversely, facing outwards indicates disobedience and irreverence. Although facing outwards may be aesthetically pleasing, it is essential to consider that offerings are meant for the ancestors and deities, and thus, they should be the focus of our reverence.
Ancestors chose roosters for their ability to connect with the spiritual realm through their crowing, so the chicken must face the incense burner to maintain this symbolic connection. If the chicken faces away, this intention is lost.
However, during outdoor New Year’s Eve ceremonies, ensure the chicken faces the sunrise while also facing the incense burner.
Should the ancestral worship chicken be left whole or cut into pieces?
Points to Note When Selecting a Chicken for Ancestral Worship
When choosing a chicken for ancestral worship, opt for one of moderate size, neither too big nor too small. Avoid selecting a young chicken, but also refrain from choosing an overly old one.
If selecting a live chicken, pay attention to its feathers, ensuring they are smooth. Additionally, check for a dry beak and a vibrant red comb, indicating a tasty chicken.
When preparing the chicken for ancestral worship, avoid cutting off the legs. Instead, bend them inward, and eviscerate the chicken without splitting it open, maintaining aesthetics and demonstrating reverence. Nowadays, professional chicken slaughtering and tying services are available, alleviating concerns about this process.
When boiling the chicken for ancestral worship, use a wide pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in water. Bring the water to a boil, add the chicken, and then simmer on low heat to prevent tearing and maintain its appearance without color bleeding.
Leave the internal organs intact on a separate dish to ensure completeness. It is considered lucky to place a rose in the chicken’s beak, but avoid using wildflowers or blooms with negative connotations for ancestral worship.
This information is for reference only and is based on spiritual beliefs.
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