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Why is Garlic Offered to the God of Wealth but Strictly Forbidden on Ancestral Altars?

11 September, 2024

Garlic is a pungent spice that packs a flavorful punch and contains many stimulating qualities. However, consuming too much garlic can lead to body odor and a shorter temper, which is not conducive to Buddhist worship. Therefore, when preparing a savory meal for ancestral offerings, families typically refrain from using garlic as a seasoning.

The traditional savory offering consists of six dishes and four bowls, featuring classic dishes such as a bowl of vermicelli, bamboo shoots, meatballs, a dish of chicken, stuffed meatballs, pork, fried nem, stir-fry, sticky rice cakes, steamed glutinous rice, and a dipping sauce. Of course, the number of dishes and the menu can vary depending on the family’s circumstances.

Why is garlic offered to the God of Wealth to attract luck, but it is strictly forbidden to offer it to the ancestral altar?

This savory spread includes a variety of flavors, from sour to spicy, salty, and sweet. The offering is presented to the Buddhist altar and ancestral altar, symbolizing a wish for a fulfilling and abundant life, with prosperous and well-fed descendants.

In reality, some families do not abstain from using garlic, as they believe that as long as the intention is pure and the food is prepared with care and deliciousness, their sincerity will be recognized. However, for those who want the added peace of mind and a calmer spirit, omitting garlic is an option.

In the spiritual culture of Vietnamese ancestor worship, garlic is believed to be effective in warding off evil spirits and thieves due to its strong and pungent odor. However, some consider it disrespectful to intentionally offer it to their ancestors.

Additionally, in teachings related to Buddhism, Buddha instructs followers to avoid the five pungent herbs (garlic, onion, leek, chive, and asafoetida). These spices have a strong odor and can agitate the temperament, leading to lustful thoughts and actions. Thus, when making offerings to Buddha, all dishes containing these spices are avoided to maintain purity and respect.

Altars dedicated to saints also specifically avoid garlic due to its strong and impure odor.

Frequently asked questions

In many Asian cultures, garlic is seen as a powerful symbol of luck and prosperity. It is believed that offering garlic to the God of Wealth can bring good fortune and success in business ventures.

Garlic is considered to have strong yang energy, which is associated with life and activity. When offered to the ancestors, it is believed that the strong energy of garlic can disturb the peace and harmony of the afterlife, and may even prevent the ancestors from resting peacefully.

In addition to its association with wealth and prosperity, garlic is also believed to have protective powers against evil spirits and negative energy. However, it is considered taboo to consume garlic before attending religious ceremonies or entering places of worship, as the strong smell is thought to be offensive to the gods.

The way garlic is prepared and presented can also carry symbolic significance. For example, a whole bulb of garlic with its skin intact is often used to ward off evil spirits, while peeled and chopped garlic may be used to invite good luck and prosperity.

Absolutely. While garlic is widely used in Asian cultures, the specific beliefs and taboos surrounding it can vary from country to country. For example, in some cultures, garlic may be seen as a symbol of longevity and good health, while in others it may be associated with purity and spiritual cleansing.