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Is Using Koi Fish Instead of Carp for the Worship of the Kitchen God Acceptable?

Introducing the age-old tradition with a modern twist: should we be offering Koi fish instead of common carp for the worship of the Kitchen Gods? Join us as we delve into this intriguing debate and explore the cultural and spiritual significance behind this practice.

Administrator

27 July, 2024

The practice of releasing carp on the 23rd of the twelfth month has been a long-standing tradition for the Vietnamese people. Recently, there have been differing opinions on changing this tradition to releasing Koi fish instead. Let’s explore the different perspectives and understand this custom a little better.

For further reference:

1 The Tradition of Releasing Carp in the Twelfth Month

Releasing carp on the 23rd of the twelfth month is an age-old custom of the Vietnamese people. This practice is not a superstitious folk belief but a cultural folk belief rooted in the three deities of Thổ Công, Thổ Địa, and Thổ Kỳ from Taoism in China, which has been Vietnamized into the folk tale of “Two Gentlemen and One Lady”—the Gods of the Land, the House, and the Kitchen.

These three deities preside over the kitchen in every household, bestowing upon the family a humanitarian meaning and guiding them towards a harmonious, cheerful, and proactive life filled with good deeds.

The tradition of releasing fish to freedom by the Vietnamese

As a result, it has become a beautiful symbol deeply ingrained in our culture. As this day approaches, people flock to purchase carp, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 55,000 VND per fish, regardless of their size.

However, in recent years, Koi fish have been used as a substitute for the traditional carp. Upon investigation, we discovered that these Koi fish are originally from Japan but are now being farmed in Vụ Bản, Nam Định, Vietnam. This variety of fish is significantly more expensive, ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per fish.

Using Koi fish as an alternative

Koi fish are closely related to carp, boasting a deeper and more vibrant red color. Despite the high price of carp in the market, reaching up to several million dong per fish, the Koi fish sold in Vietnam are hybrids, hence their more affordable price range mentioned earlier. Consequently, many people have opted to release Koi fish instead of carp during the ceremony of paying homage to the Kitchen Gods.

2 Releasing Koi Fish: Is It Appropriate?

The substitution of carp with Koi fish has sparked two opposing viewpoints:

One side argues that the ceremony of paying homage to the Kitchen Gods should adhere to the traditional customs passed down through generations of Vietnamese people.

In contrast, the other side contends that using carp or burning gold-printed paper are merely spiritual symbols, and therefore, there is no issue with using either Vietnamese carp or Japanese Koi fish. It ultimately depends on an individual’s circumstances.

Releasing carp in accordance with traditional customs

However, folk culture researcher Nguyễn Hùng Vĩ offers this explanation: “The reason for offering carp, according to folk beliefs, is that carp can transform into dragons and ascend to heaven. Thus, people present carp to the Kitchen Gods as a means of transportation to heaven. Koi fish do not conform to the traditions and spiritual beliefs associated with the 23rd of the twelfth-month ceremony, and they cannot replace carp.”

Similarly, PGS.TS. Trần Lâm Biền, a cultural researcher, shares his perspective: “When people have money and wisdom, they will create rituals to match their wealth. However, having money without wisdom or with limited wisdom can lead to wasteful and ostentatious displays. Offering carp to the Kitchen Gods is a long-standing tradition that has been practiced for generations.

Koi fish should not be used as a substitute for carp

Now, offering Japanese Koi fish goes against our traditional culture. While it may satisfy one’s preferences or demonstrate one’s social status, it holds no spiritual significance.”

After considering the arguments presented, we can better understand the issue at hand. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but many still wish to preserve this beautiful tradition that has existed for centuries. What are your thoughts on this matter? Would you be willing to share your perspective with us?

Source: hatgiongtamhon.vn

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is acceptable to use Koi fish as a substitute for common carp in this traditional Vietnamese ritual. The belief is that the Kitchen God will ride the fish to Heaven to report on the family’s activities for the year, and both types of fish are considered suitable for this purpose.

Carp are believed to be able to transform into dragons and fly to Heaven, so they are considered a sacred offering to the Kitchen God. Koi fish, which are closely related to carp, are also seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, making them an acceptable alternative.

It is believed that the Koi fish should be healthy, strong, and active, symbolizing the family’s vitality and prosperity. The fish should also be treated with respect and care during the ritual, as it is considered a sacred offering.

In addition to the carp or Koi fish, traditional offerings to the Kitchen God include fruits, cakes, flowers, and incense. These offerings are made to show gratitude for the Kitchen God’s protection and to seek blessings for the coming year.

The worship of the Kitchen God is usually performed a few days before the Lunar New Year, as it is believed that the Kitchen God will return to Heaven to report to the Jade Emperor on the family’s behavior during the past year.