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The Spirit of the Village: A Prayer for the Temple and Shrine in the Year of the Yang Water Dragon

The Tudigong, or the 'God of the Soil and the Grain', is a prominent deity in Vietnamese folk religion. Revered as the principal deity in communal temples, the Tudigong is believed to be the guardian of the nation and its people, offering protection and prosperity to the villagers.

Administrator

16 July, 2024

Exploring the traditional prayer for the Village Guardian Spirit at the local shrines and temples is essential for a solemn and complete New Year celebration in Vietnam. This prayer is an integral part of the cultural heritage and has been passed down through generations.

Related: The 30th of Tet: A Complete Guide for 2024

1 Understanding the Village Guardian Spirit Ceremony

In the countryside of Vietnam, the tradition of worshipping the Village Guardian Spirit, or “Thanh Hoang,” at local shrines and temples, is an ancient cultural practice. This custom honors the spirits believed to protect and bring prosperity to the community.

Village Guardian Spirit Ceremony

The Village Guardian Spirits are not mythical deities but are wise and heroic figures, often ancestors or local leaders who have made significant contributions to the community and the nation’s development. They are revered for their virtues and dedication to the welfare of the people.

The worship of these spirits is widespread across Vietnam, and it is believed that they bring protection and blessings to the people and the land.

People pray to the Village Guardian Spirits for safety, peace, and prosperity, seeking shelter from natural disasters and other calamities. They also wish for harmony within the community and a bountiful life for all.

2 Preparing the Ritual Offerings for 2024

Ritual Offerings for the Village Guardian Spirit Ceremony in 2024

The ritual offerings for the Village Guardian Spirit vary across regions, with some opting for vegetarian options while others prefer cooked meals. Incense, flowers, and traditional cakes are also essential components of the ceremony.

While the specific dishes may differ, the offerings typically include carefully prepared and presented dishes such as spring rolls, fried cakes, sticky rice, and fruits.

3 The Prayer for the Village Guardian Spirit

Prayer for the Village Guardian Spirit

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

We bow to the Nine Heavens and the Ten Directions, to the Buddha and the Enlightened Beings of the Ten Directions.

With respect, we bow to the Earth God and the Heavenly God, as well as to the various deities.

We respectfully bow to the Golden Year’s presiding deity, the virtuous Tai Tue.

We bow to the local deities, the venerable Great Kings.

We, the descendants of [your name], residing at [your address], are here today, on the [date] of the [month] in the year [year].

We have come to this place to offer our sincere prayers and respects.

With reverence, we think of the Great Kings, who, by the mandate of Heaven, descended upon this land, becoming the local deities, bestowing blessings and protection upon the people of Vietnam.

Today, we humbly offer our modest gifts of food, incense, flowers, and cakes, praying that the local deities, the venerable Great Kings, will witness our devotion and bestow their compassion upon us.

We pray for good health, prosperity, and abundance in all aspects of our lives. May our wishes be granted, and may we find peace and harmony within our community.

With our sincere offerings and respectful prayers, we seek your blessings and protection.

Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!

4 A Guide to Offering the Ritual

Offering the Ritual to the Village Guardian Spirit

The ritual offering follows a specific order, beginning with a prayer to the God of the Land and the guardian of the temple, shrine, or communal house where the ceremony takes place. This step is known as “presenting the ritual.”

The ritual leader then continues with a prayer to the deities, seeking permission to begin the ceremony at the designated location.

The offering team ensures that the ritual items are properly arranged and their attire is appropriate before proceeding with the official offering.

At the appointed time, the ritual leader carefully places the offerings with both hands on the altar and other significant locations. Only after the offerings are placed can they proceed to light the incense.

The Village Guardian Spirit Ceremony is conducted with solemnity and attention to detail.

The specific order of lighting the incense is as follows:

Light the incense from inside to outside
Start lighting the incense in the central altar first
Light the incense on the side altars after the main altar
Use odd numbers of incense sticks such as 1, 3, 5, or 7
When lighting the incense, join your hands, raise them to your forehead, bow three times, and then use both hands to place the incense.

If there is a petition to be presented, hold it between your palms or place it on a small plate. Raise it to your forehead, bow three times, and then offer it with both hands.

Ring the bell three times before beginning the prayer.

We hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the Village Guardian Spirit prayer, the ritual offerings, and the offering process for this important and solemn ceremony. Stay connected with us for more insightful updates!