Tips

The Five Taboos: What to Avoid When Paying Homage to the Kitchen Gods

Performing rituals under the stove and praying for wealth and prosperity are common practices on the occasion of the Kitchen God's Day. However, these actions can be considered mistakes if they are not done properly. It is important to understand the dos and don'ts of this cultural tradition to ensure a respectful and effective celebration.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Kitchen God returns to the heavens. On this day, Vietnamese families prepare an offering and votive papers to send off the Kitchen God. As this is an important custom during the last days of the year, the host families are careful to avoid any taboos that might offend the gods. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should avoid when making offerings to the Kitchen God.

For reference:

1Do Not Offer After 12 Noon on the 23rd

It is important to remember that you should not make offerings after 12 noon on the 23rd as, by this time, the Kitchen God has already ascended to the heavens.

The ceremony to see off the Kitchen God should be performed before he flies up to report to the Jade Emperor, that is, before 12 noon. Depending on your schedule and circumstances, you can perform the ceremony on the afternoon or evening of the 22nd or in the morning of the 23rd.

Do Not Offer After 12 Noon on the 23rd

2Do Not Place the Offering on the Floor Near the Stove

Many families believe that, as the god of the kitchen, offerings to the Kitchen God should be placed near the stove. However, spiritual experts advise that this is not in line with the customs and long-standing worship rules of the Vietnamese people.

All deities should be worshipped at the main family altar. No one places an incense bowl or altar on the floor near the stove to worship deities like the Kitchen God. To suggest that the Kitchen God should be worshipped near the stove is to misunderstand the culture, beliefs, and folk concepts that have been passed down for generations in Vietnam.

3Do Not Ask for Wealth and Prosperity

Many people are accustomed to asking for prosperity and good fortune. However, as the Kitchen God ascends to the celestial realm to report on the affairs of the mortal world to the Jade Emperor, families should only pray that the Kitchen God speaks well of them.

Do Not Ask for Wealth and Prosperity

4Do Not Release the Carp from a Height

The carp is the vehicle that carries the Kitchen God to the heavens and is considered a symbol of divinity. Therefore, releasing the carp from a height or wrapping it in plastic before releasing it is seen as disrespectful and diminishes the spiritual significance of the act.

5Do Not Make Elaborate Offerings

The ceremony for the Kitchen God is a sacred ritual, and its effectiveness lies in the sincerity of the host. Therefore, elaborate and extravagant offerings are not necessary; simple and appropriate offerings are sufficient. Making extravagant offerings can be costly for the host, so it is best to prepare offerings that are within your means.

Do Not Make Elaborate Offerings

Especially on Thanh Minh (Clemency) Festival, be mindful of the things you should not do to avoid bad luck.

Seeing off the Kitchen God is a crucial spiritual custom for the Vietnamese people during the last days of the year. It marks the preparation for the new year. Therefore, families should pay close attention to the dos and don’ts of the ceremony to ensure a smooth start to the coming year.

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Frequently asked questions

The five taboos to avoid are as follows: 1) Not cleaning the house and altar properly, 2) Not offering the correct sacrifices, 3) Not showing respect during the ceremony, 4) Not sending off the Kitchen Gods properly, and 5) Not preparing a proper welcome for their return.

Avoiding these taboos is crucial to ensuring a smooth and respectful ceremony. By adhering to these guidelines, one can show their respect to the Kitchen Gods and maintain a harmonious relationship with them. Failing to do so may bring bad luck and misfortune, as it is believed that the Kitchen Gods will report any misdeeds to the Jade Emperor.

A thorough cleaning of the entire house is recommended, with special attention given to the altar. All dirt and dust should be removed, and the altar should be adorned with fresh flowers and fruits. It is also customary to burn incense and paper offerings as a sign of respect.

Traditional sacrifices include a whole carp, pork, chicken, and sticky rice. These offerings are believed to please the Kitchen Gods and bring prosperity and good fortune to the household.

Sending off the Kitchen Gods is a way of showing gratitude for their protection and blessings throughout the year. By properly seeing them off, it is believed that they will ascend to Heaven and speak favorably of the family to the Jade Emperor. Welcoming them back is equally important, as it marks the start of a new year and invites their continued presence and blessings in the home.