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Releasing Carp into the Bridge Waters, Along with Plastic Bags: A Major Mistake During the Tribute to the Kitchen God Festival

The practice of releasing carp on the day of sending off the Kitchen God is a beautiful tradition of the Vietnamese people. However, in modern times, a significant portion of the population has misinterpreted this practice, tarnishing the essence of this cultural ritual and reflecting poorly on Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, Vietnamese people hold a ceremony to send off the Kitchen God to heaven and report to the Jade Emperor about the happenings on Earth. During this ceremony, people often offer a carp, which is believed to be the main means of transportation for the Kitchen God to ascend to heaven. After the ceremony, the carp is released into a river or lake, symbolizing a ritual of liberation.

1The Significance of Releasing Carp

According to Buddhist monks in Vietnam, “liberating life is about arousing compassion and kindness in people.” Liberating life means that when you see a living being in captivity, affecting its life and survival, you should be compassionate and find a way to save its life.

Additionally, in Vietnamese belief, the concept of “carp leaping over the dragon gate” or “carp transforming into a dragon” symbolizes transcendence and the spirit of perseverance and tenacity in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Therefore, liberating carp on the day of the Kitchen God is not only a beautiful cultural tradition that shows respect for the Kitchen God but also reflects the precious compassion of human beings.

2Liberating Carp the Wrong Way

Despite the noble meaning, many people misunderstand or choose to ignore it, which tarnishes this beautiful cultural tradition.

You may notice that on the bridges crossing rivers and lakes, people start releasing carp on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. However, what we may not realize is that these fish are still enclosed in plastic bags and, even if they are released, the height of the bridge makes it difficult for them to survive.

This act contradicts the compassionate intention of saving the fish. Instead, it directly takes away their lives and pollutes the environment, affecting other living creatures.

3The Right Way to Liberate Carp

According to folk beliefs, carp should be released before 12 noon on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month to ensure they make it to the Heavenly Court in time. Therefore, people start the ceremony and release the carp into the nearby river early in the morning.

To properly liberate carp, keep the following in mind:

– Do not release carp from bridges or high places. This is not only unsightly but also endangers the fish’s survival.

– When liberating the carp, gently tilt the mouth of the plastic bag or container downward into the water to allow the fish to swim out. Alternatively, place the fish in the palm of your hand and gently lower it into the water. Avoid dumping, throwing, or tossing the fish, as this may cause them to die, and be sure to dispose of the plastic bag properly.

– Avoid liberating carp in polluted environments where their chances of survival are slim.

– Choose a place less frequented by fishermen to reduce the risk of the liberated carp being caught again.

– Stay and observe for a while after releasing the carp to ensure it swims away safely, avoiding situations where the fish may get stuck or disoriented and swim back to shore.

Liberating carp on the day of the Kitchen God is a beautiful cultural tradition that showcases the compassion and goodwill of the Vietnamese people. Let’s preserve this tradition by avoiding incorrect practices and instead, educating others, especially the younger generation, on the proper way to liberate carp and the significance behind this ritual.

Frequently asked questions

Releasing carp, along with plastic bags and other waste, into the bridge waters can cause environmental pollution and harm the ecosystem. It is important to dispose of waste properly and find alternative ways to honor the Kitchen God that do not involve releasing carp.

The Kitchen God Festival is a traditional Vietnamese holiday that honors the Kitchen God, who is believed to watch over the home and family. It is typically celebrated on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, and involves rituals such as cleaning the house, preparing special dishes, and offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God.

Instead of releasing live carp into the bridge waters, people can consider alternative practices such as releasing the carp into a pond or lake, or even preparing a vegetarian meal for the Kitchen God. Another option is to perform a symbolic release by using paper carp or other eco-friendly materials.

Other mistakes to avoid during the Kitchen God Festival include not cleaning the house thoroughly, forgetting to prepare the special dishes and offerings, and failing to perform the rituals at the right time. It is important to be respectful and follow the traditional practices as closely as possible.