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The Ultimate Guide to Roasted Chicken Placement: Out or In? A Divine Retribution or a Tasty Treat?

When it comes to ordering a roasted chicken, it is crucial to follow specific rules and not to take it lightly. Adhering to these guidelines ensures the best outcome.

Administrator

13 December, 2023

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The arrangement of sacrificial chicken on the altar is not just a random act but also follows long-standing folk rules and beliefs.

Traditionally, the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month are considered frequent visiting days for ancestors and deities. Therefore, burning incense, praying, and offering rituals are essential steps to avoid offending the ancestors. Ignoring this could lead to misfortunes and disasters or the loss of blessings.

Another belief is that offering incense, flowers, and sacrificial gifts to the ancestors will bring blessings, peace, and smoothness in all endeavors. Boiled chicken is usually a must-have dish on the ancestral altar during important occasions such as New Year, death anniversaries, and full moon and first days of the month.

However, the question arises as to whether the chicken should be turned inward or outward. According to folk beliefs, this is not crucial, as long as the altar and the offerings look beautiful. However, from a feng shui perspective, turning the chicken inward towards the altar shows respect for the deities and ancestors and is considered reasonable. On the other hand, turning it outward is seen as disrespectful and arrogant.

Although turning it outward may create aesthetic appeal, from a spiritual perspective, turning the chicken towards the incense burner to address prayers to the ancestors and deities is believed to bring the most auspicious results.

Note:

Nowadays, the choice of sacrificial chicken usually focuses on selecting a rooster, especially a young one that has not mated with a hen. This concept stems from a sense of respect and the desire to offer clean and pure sacrifices.

In traditional beliefs, lighting incense with a hen is often avoided, possibly due to the view that roosters are considered “cleaner” than hens. Additionally, if the hen hasn’t laid eggs yet, the meat is usually not as tasty, and if it has, it is no longer considered “clean.”

When choosing a rooster, opt for one of moderate size, avoiding long-spurred ones, as this indicates an older bird. Smooth feathers, a dry beak, and a bright red comb indicate a chicken of good quality.

When preparing the sacrificial chicken, avoid cutting off the legs; instead, bend them inward, and eviscerate it carefully to avoid tearing the body, keeping the chicken intact and aesthetically pleasing.

When boiling the chicken, choose a wide pot, fill it with water, bring it to a boil, place the chicken inside, and bring it to a boil again before reducing to a gentle simmer. This ensures the chicken doesn’t tear apart and maintains its visual appeal without color bleeding. Remember to keep all the internal organs intact on the offering plate to avoid any shortcomings and ensure completeness.

Frequently asked questions

The placement of sacrificial chicken on the altar holds cultural and spiritual significance. Ancestors and deities are believed to frequently visit on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, so burning incense, praying, and offering rituals are seen as essential to avoid disrespecting them. This practice is thought to bring blessings and peace, while also warding off potential misfortunes or disasters.

Offering incense, flowers, and gifts is believed to bring blessings, peace, and smoothness across all aspects of life. Boiled chicken, in particular, is considered a staple dish on ancestral altars during significant occasions, such as the New Year, death anniversaries, and full moon or first days of the lunar month.

From a folk belief perspective, the direction the chicken faces is not crucial as long as the overall presentation looks beautiful. However, in feng shui, turning the chicken inward towards the altar demonstrates respect for the deities and ancestors. Conversely, turning it outward may be perceived as disrespectful and arrogant. For optimal spiritual benefit, it is recommended to turn the chicken towards the incense burner when praying to ancestors and deities.

A rooster, preferably young and unmated, is typically chosen out of respect and to ensure the sacrifice is clean and pure. Roosters are generally seen as ‘cleaner’ than hens, and if the hen hasn’t laid eggs yet, the meat is believed to be more flavorful. When selecting a rooster, opt for one of moderate size with smooth feathers, a dry beak, and a bright red comb, indicating good quality.

When preparing the chicken, avoid cutting off the legs. Instead, bend them inward and carefully eviscerate the chicken to maintain its integrity and aesthetic appeal. For cooking, use a wide pot, fill it with water, and bring it to a boil. Place the chicken inside, return to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This method preserves the visual appeal of the chicken and keeps it from tearing apart. Remember to keep all internal organs intact on the offering plate for a complete presentation.