For a deeper understanding of the customs of fortune-telling through divination, lot-drawing, and fortune sticks during the Lunar New Year, join us as we explore these fascinating traditions.
1 What are the customs of divination, lot-drawing, and fortune sticks?
Divination Custom
Not many people are aware that there are two types of divination: Tướng Quân Linh Sám (Regular Divination) and Tả Tướng Quân Hoàng Tiên Lương Phương (Medicinal Divination). For most of us, divination is merely a game of chance during the Lunar New Year festivities, but for some, it is a form of spiritual practice, a way to invoke divine guidance for the new year.
There are two types of divination sticks:
Regular Divination (also known as Tướng Quân Linh Sám) consists of 100 numbered sticks from 1 to 100. These sticks provide insights into marriage, health, wealth, protection, family, plans, career, travel, legal matters, and theft for the coming year.
Medicinal Divination (or Tả Tướng Quân Hoàng Tiên Lương Phương) consists of 100 sticks of a single yellow color. These sticks are not differentiated as good or bad but are simply numbered from 1 to 100. They offer guidance on potential health issues one might encounter.
To perform divination, one must follow a specific ritual, kneeling or sitting on a mat, holding the container of divination sticks to their forehead while praying. Afterward, they shake the container and allow a stick to fall out, which is then given to the person at the temple to interpret the divination.
In some places without an interpreter, the person praying will find the corresponding paper with the same number as the stick to learn about their future fate for the new year.
Lot-Drawing Custom
Lot-drawing involves the use of two semi-circular wooden pieces, one flat and the other convex, known as “keo.” These pieces come in various sizes but are typically small enough to fit in the hand. The act of lot-drawing is a way to seek divine guidance on future plans or projects.
To perform lot-drawing, one must first hold the wooden pieces and recite their name, age, and address, followed by voicing their intentions or wishes to the Holy Spirits. After praying, they place the wooden pieces on the ground and walk around the temple once before returning to the starting point. They then pick up the wooden pieces and pray again, expressing their wishes. Finally, they cup their hands together, holding the wooden pieces, and raise them to eye level before releasing them.
If one piece is face up and the other face down, it is considered a successful lot-drawing. In this case, the person draws a divination stick from a container and interprets the number on the stick to determine their fortune for the year.
If both pieces land face up or face down, it indicates that the prayer’s intentions were not clear or specific enough for the Holy Spirits to provide an answer. In such cases, the person may try again with a different intention or accept that the answer is inconclusive, reflecting a lack of seriousness in their request.
Fortune Sticks Custom
Similar to fortune-telling, fortune sticks involve reading one’s palm and predicting their fate for the new year. Most people who seek this practice hope to attract good luck and peace for the coming year. Fortune sticks are a cherished tradition that has been preserved by the Vietnamese people.
The term “fortune” refers to “signs” in divination, and fortune sticks provide a way to foresee certain future events and find solutions to potential challenges.
Fortune sticks help us enhance positive outcomes, eliminate worries and sorrows, and attract luck, success, and prosperity into our lives, careers, and relationships.
At temples, people often seek fortune sticks during the Lunar New Year to understand their fate for the year ahead, covering various aspects such as wealth, fame, family, and marriage.
Those who seek fortune sticks typically do so with the hope of attracting good luck and peace. This practice is a cherished tradition that has been preserved by the Vietnamese people.
2 Are these customs considered superstitious?
The answer is no. All cultural traditions have their unique characteristics, and the customs of divination, lot-drawing, and fortune sticks are no exception. Engaging in these practices during the Lunar New Year can instill hope and joy for the year ahead without leading to superstition.
These customs provide guidance and motivation for new endeavors, helping us achieve our goals and make positive choices while also avoiding potential pitfalls.
These traditions empower individuals to have more confidence in their decisions and motivate them to strive for a prosperous and fortunate new year.
However, it is important to view the interpretations as mere suggestions or possible paths to consider rather than absolute truths. Ultimately, the power to decide our fate lies within ourselves. While these customs are an integral part of Vietnamese culture during the Lunar New Year, we should not become overly reliant on them and must continue striving for personal growth and improvement.
3 Popular places for divination and fortune-telling in Ho Chi Minh City
Temple and Mausoleum of Tả Quân Lê Văn Duyệt
Address: 1 Vũ Tùng, Ward 1, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City
People often visit this place during the Lunar New Year to seek guidance for the year ahead, hoping to find solutions to their problems and have a smoother year.
Ngoc Hoang Pagoda
Address: 73 Mai Thị Lựu, Đa Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Also known as Điện Ngọc Hoàng, this temple is dedicated to the Taoist God of the Chinese community. It showcases the distinctive architectural style of the Chinese community in Vietnam. The interior features beautiful and rare wooden sculptures. The atmosphere is filled with incense smoke, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance.
Giác Lâm Pagoda
Address: 565 Lạc Long Quân, Ward 10, Tân Bình District, Ho Chi Minh City
Giác Lâm Pagoda is one of the most famous and sacred pagodas in Saigon, known for its spacious and peaceful surroundings. It attracts many Buddhists and visitors during the Lunar New Year, who come to pray for a prosperous and peaceful year.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
Address: 339 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda boasts a spacious and airy layout with architectural influences from pagodas in Northern Vietnam. Modeled after the original Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Bac Giang, it serves as the center of the Truc Lam Yen Tu sect. The pagoda features a unique 7-story tower adorned with intricate carvings in the style of the Ly and Tran dynasties.
Xa Loi Pagoda
Address: 89B Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Xa Loi Pagoda combines modern architecture with traditional cultural features. During the Lunar New Year, it attracts many visitors who come to seek blessings for a prosperous and fortunate year.
Phổ Quang Pagoda
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