On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Kitchen God will ride a carp to Heaven to report to the Jade Emperor on all the good and bad that has happened throughout the year. Therefore, Vietnamese families perform this ritual solemnly and fully. Choosing the right flowers for the ceremony is also an important consideration. Let’s go through the types of flowers that are suitable and not suitable for the Kitchen God ceremony in today’s article!
1 6 Types of Flowers for the Kitchen God Ceremony on the 23rd Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are considered a symbol of longevity, bringing good luck and fortune to the house. Additionally, yellow chrysanthemums also represent the piety and respect of descendants towards the gods, ancestors, and deceased relatives who have always helped and protected the family through difficulties over the past year.
Chrysanthemums
Marigolds
Marigolds are a favorite among many Vietnamese as they bring wealth, prosperity, and good luck to the household. Moreover, marigolds also signify health, longevity, and peace for all family members.
Marigolds
Lotus Flowers
Lotus flowers have a delicate and gentle fragrance, symbolizing strong willpower and perseverance in overcoming hardships, obstacles, and challenges. Additionally, lotuses also bring fortune and good luck to the family.
Lotus Flowers
Alstroemerias
Alstroemerias, also known as Peruvian lilies, signify happiness, warmth, and strong family bonds. Furthermore, due to their sword-like shape, alstroemerias are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the household.
Alstroemerias
Apricot Blossoms
Apricot blossoms signify wealth and good luck. By offering this flower, the household will receive peace, happiness, and smoothness throughout the year. Choosing branches with more blossoms and petals is believed to bring even more luck, fortune, and abundance to the family. In some places, apricot blossoms are also thought to represent filial piety and joy, while driving away evil spirits.
Apricot Blossoms
Peach Blossoms
Peach blossoms are considered the essence of the five elements, capable of warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck and prosperity to the household. Moreover, peach blossoms also express reverence towards the gods and ancestors.
Peach Blossoms
2 Flowers to Avoid for the Kitchen God Ceremony
Cineraria
Cineraria is commonly sold during the Tet Holiday, especially in Southern Vietnam, where many families choose to display it in their homes to attract good luck and prosperity. However, cineraria should not be placed on the altar as it may bring bad luck, and its strong scent is not suitable for offering to ancestors.
Cineraria
Orchids
Although beautiful and long-lasting, orchids are not recommended for altars, especially Buddhist altars, as the word “phong” in Vietnamese is similar to “phong tình” (romance) or “phong lưu” (playboy). If you wish to display orchids during Tet, it is advisable to choose other flower options first.
Orchids
Hibiscus
Despite its beauty, hibiscus flowers are short-lived, symbolizing a short life. This is why hibiscus is not used for ancestral altars.
Hibiscus
Lilies
Lilies are beautiful flowers with a captivating fragrance, but they are avoided on family altars due to their association with separation and parting.
Lilies
3 Notes When Choosing Flowers for the Kitchen God Ceremony
When choosing flowers for the Kitchen God ceremony, keep in mind the following points:
- Select branches with many buds, young leaves, and avoid fully bloomed flowers. Do not pick broken or damaged flowers.
- As the ceremony requires solemnity, choose flowers with a mild and pleasant fragrance, not too strong.
- Buy the flowers one or two days in advance to ensure their freshness. Depending on the region, different types of flowers may be chosen for the Kitchen God ceremony, according to local customs.
- Opt for flowers in red, yellow, orange, pink, or purple. Avoid using flowers with too many different colors or pale colors for the ceremony.
- Do not use artificial flowers made of paper, wax, or fabric for the ceremony.
Notes When Choosing Flowers for the Kitchen God Ceremony
The above are the types of flowers suitable for the Kitchen God ceremony on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month and some notes on choosing the right flowers. The ceremony of worshipping the Kitchen God carries the meaning of praying for peace, warmth, and abundance in the new year, as well as honoring the “God of the Kitchen” who oversees the family’s kitchen. We hope that you have found this information useful in preparing a complete and respectful send-off for the Kitchen God’s return to heaven.
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