Decorating the ancestral altar is a meaningful activity during the Lunar New Year. Join us in exploring the most standard ways to decorate the altar for the Lunar New Year and some notes to keep in mind!
1The Meaning of Decorating the Ancestral Altar for the Lunar New Year
Decorating the ancestral altar for the Lunar New Year expresses the descendants’ reverence for their ancestors.
Altar decoration usually takes place on the 23rd of the Lunar month or on special occasions such as weddings, funerals, or first birthday parties.
Decorating the ancestral altar, along with Lunar New Year decoration, is an important activity that not only reflects the beautiful religious beliefs of our nation but also demonstrates the descendants’ reverence for their ancestors.
At the same time, altar decoration also represents the wish for a new year filled with peace, good fortune, abundant health, and career advancement.
2Simple Ways to Decorate the Ancestral Altar for the Lunar New Year
Step 1 Clean the Ancestral Altar
Before starting to decorate the ancestral altar, you should clean the altar thoroughly to welcome new fortune and happiness in the new year.
Before decorating the ancestral altar, you should clean it thoroughly.
Step 2 Prepare Items for Decorating the Ancestral Altar for the Lunar New Year
Additionally, when preparing offerings for the ancestral altar during the Lunar New Year, you should prepare the following items:
- Several sets of clothes and paper money.
- A vase of flowers with lightly scented flowers such as lilies or Alstroemeria, and especially a branch of apricot or peach blossoms.
- A teapot and a bottle of good wine.
- Candies and betel leaves.
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes are both acceptable.
Offerings for the ancestral altar during the Lunar New Year are essential.
Step 3 Decorate the Ancestral Altar for the Lunar New Year
- Decorate the ancestral altar with fruits.
- Decorate the ancestral altar with flowers.
- Decorate the ancestral altar with sticky rice cakes (“Banh Tet” and “Banh Chung”).
- Decorate the ancestral altar with Feng Shui items.
Step 4 Check the Position of the Decorative Items on the Ancestral Altar
When decorating the ancestral altar, keep in mind the following:
- Hoanh phi (a wooden board with a respectful title for the ancestors) should be hung on the wall, centered above the altar, with a couplet hung on each side.
- The large incense pot should be placed in the center, with two smaller incense pots placed on either side to create a “tam tai” (three-legged) setup, bringing fortune and luck to the family.
- In the outermost corners, you can place additional candles or oil lamps.
- The fruit tray and flower vase should be placed on either side of the incense burner or in front of the ancestor’s photo.
- Furthermore, the incense burner should be placed in the center of the altar.
- Finally, place the incense cups in front of the incense pot and the ceremonial cranes on either side of the incense burner.
Additionally, when decorating the ancestral altar, the offerings should be placed side by side. When decorating the altar for the Earth God or other deities, arrange the items so that the left side is higher than the right side.
In addition to arranging the offerings, the five-fruit tray is also an indispensable part of the ancestral altar during the Lunar New Year. Due to cultural differences, the five-fruit tray may vary across regions. The five-fruit tray symbolizes the five elements of Kim – Mộc – Thủy – Hỏa – Thổ (Metal – Wood – Water – Fire – Earth) and is believed to bring strong and sustainable development to the family.
3Principles for Setting Up the Ancestral Altar for the Lunar New Year
Principles for setting up the ancestral altar for the Lunar New Year.
Principle of “Nhất vị, nhị hướng” (One Position, Two Directions)
The ancestral altar should be placed in a sturdy position, preferably in a separate room called a worship room. If a separate room is not available, it can be placed in the living room or guest room, but not in the bedroom, dining room, or kitchen.
According to advanced Feng Shui principles, the “Vi” (position) in this context refers to placing the altar in the auspicious locations determined by the Nine Palaces God-Killing Technique, such as: Am Quynh Nhan (Hidden Nobleman), Duong Quynh Nhan (Visible Nobleman), Thien Loc (Heavenly Luck) if it falls in the Cai position, which is considered very auspicious. Other auspicious positions include Duyen Thoai (Longevity), Tai Loc (Wealth), and Tu Thuc (Offspring).
Principle of Cleanliness to Activate Auspicious Energy
The ancestral altar is a sacred place where the ancestors’ spirits reside, so it is usually placed in the center of the house and at the highest point.
Cleaning the ancestral altar is the first task and should be done carefully and meticulously. The broom or cloth used for cleaning the altar must be dedicated solely for this purpose.
The worship space is a sacred place in the house, preserving the memories and emotions of the ancestors. Therefore, keeping the ancestral altar clean and tidy not only expresses the descendants’ care and reverence for their ancestors but also nurtures their spiritual well-being.
4Major Taboos to Avoid When Decorating the Ancestral Altar for the Lunar New Year
You should dress appropriately when decorating the ancestral altar for the Lunar New Year.
Here are some things to avoid when decorating the ancestral altar during the Lunar New Year or other special occasions:
- Do not choose flowers that are fully bloomed or artificial flowers for the ancestral altar. Pay attention to pruning and arranging the flowers aesthetically and symmetrically.
- When choosing an incense pot, opt for one made of ceramic or copper to attract more luck and fortune. Avoid using an incense pot made of granite.
- It is acceptable to move the incense pot if necessary when arranging the altar.
- Lighting on the ancestral altar should have a moderate intensity and preferably a warm color to create a cozy atmosphere in your home.
- Do not allow people with dirty hands or clothes to decorate the ancestral altar as it is considered disrespectful to the deities and the deceased.
5How to Decorate the Ancestral Altar for the Lunar New Year in Northern Vietnam
The way of setting up the ancestral altar for the Lunar New Year in Northern Vietnam usually follows more diverse principles compared to the South.
In the center of the ancestral altar, there is usually a large copper incense pot and two smaller ones on either side, forming a “tam tai” setup. Next, two cane plants or two oil lamps are placed symmetrically in the outermost corners, representing the sun on the left and the moon on the right. Similarly, two vases of flowers should be prepared and placed on both sides of the altar to create a harmonious balance. It is strictly forbidden to offer fake flowers and fruits as it is considered disrespectful and indicates a lack of devotion.
Additionally, the host family must remember to place three cups of wine, three cups of clean water, and a small gourd-shaped wine bottle on the altar. The incense burned in Northern Vietnam is also unique, typically in the form of rings that are burned continuously during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Some families in Northern Vietnam also have the custom of placing two tall and leafy sugarcanes on both sides of the altar to symbolize abundance and prosperity. Regardless of the specific arrangement, it is essential to complete the decoration before the 30th day of the Lunar month so that the whole family can stand in front of the altar and offer the first incense stick to the ancestors to welcome the new year.
How to decorate the ancestral altar for the Lunar New Year in Northern Vietnam.
Regarding the offerings, Northern Vietnamese families usually prepare a tray with four bowls and four plates, six bowls and six plates, or eight bowls and eight plates. The number of bowls and plates can be adjusted according to the size of the offering tray, but it is customary to use six or eight, which are considered lucky numbers representing wealth and prosperity. Four bowls and four plates symbolize the four pillars, four seasons, and four directions. The bowls typically contain noodle soup with chicken giblets, meatball soup, stewed pork knuckles with bamboo shoots, and mung bean soup. The plates usually include sticky rice cakes, steamed sticky rice, boiled chicken, head cheese, pickled onions, salad or banana blossom salad, and fried spring rolls or meat jelly.
Northern Vietnamese families mostly present these dishes on the offering tray for the ancestors, with some adjustments depending on the family’s preferences. It is important to note that on the 30th day of the Lunar month and the first day of the new year, a rooster should be used for the offerings.
For the flower vase on the ancestral altar, Northern Vietnamese families usually buy apricot blossoms and peach blossoms, which symbolize prosperity and abundance and are believed to ward off negative energy, bringing new vitality to the family.
The five-fruit tray in Northern Vietnam always includes green bananas and pomelos, with the remaining three fruits varying according to the family’s preferences, such as kumquats, tangerines, apples, pears, dragon fruit, or even chili peppers. The choice of fruits takes into account not only the colors but also the representation of the five elements of Kim – Mộc – Thủy – Hỏa – Thổ (Metal – Wood – Water – Fire – Earth).
6How to Clean and Trim the Incense Sticks
Guide to Cleaning the Ancestral Altar According to Feng Shui
Bathe and dress neatly: Before cleaning the ancestral altar, the host family should bathe and dress neatly to show their sincerity. The house should be cleaned, and all doors should be opened.
Prepare cleaning supplies: Prepare clean cloths and cleaning tools dedicated solely for the ancestral altar. Clean all objects on the altar, such as Buddha statues, spirit tablets, and other worship items, using diluted alcohol mixed with ginger.
Inform the ancestors by burning incense: Before cleaning the ancestral altar, burn incense to ask for permission from the ancestors. Wait for the incense to burn out completely before starting the cleaning process.
Guide to Trimming the Incense Sticks
Step 1 Ask for permission from the ancestors or deities.
Step 2 Clean the ancestral altar.
Step 3 Trim the incense sticks.
Step 4 Dispose of the ash.
Step 5 Burn incense after completing the cleaning process.
See details:How to Trim Incense Sticks Correctly Without Offending Feng Shui and Inviting Luck and Wealth
7Pictures of Ancestral Altars Decorated for the Lunar New Year in a Feng Shui-Compliant and Aesthetically Pleasing Manner
