Ancestral worship has long been considered an important cultural and traditional practice in Vietnam. It is a time for descendants to pay respect to their ancestors and express their filial piety and reverence.
In addition to knowing how to organize an ancestral worship ceremony, many people are also interested in learning about the significance of ancestral worship and the appropriate prayers for the occasion. Let’s explore this topic further in the following article.
Related article: Lunar New Year’s Eve on January 21, 2024 (Quý Mão)
1 Significance of Ancestral Worship Prayers
In the spiritual culture of the Vietnamese, great importance is placed on being a virtuous person and “remembering the source.” Therefore, ancestral worship rituals are always held in high regard.
This practice demonstrates filial piety and gratitude towards deceased loved ones by remembering the anniversary of their passing. Ancestral worship prayers are an integral part of these rituals, ensuring that the ceremony is conducted solemnly and in accordance with traditions.
Significance of Ancestral Worship Prayers
2 Prayer at the Ancestor’s Grave Before the Anniversary
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
I bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven and the Ten Directions of the Buddha, the Buddha of the Ten Directions.
I respectfully bow to the Imperial Emperor, the Queen Mother, and all the deities.
I respectfully bow to the Eastern Kitchen, the Life-Governing Stove God.
I respectfully bow to the deities and the Earth God who govern this land.
Today is the … day of the … month of the … year.
Tomorrow is the anniversary – Tien Thuong.
I, the believer, am: ………..
Residing at: ………..
As tomorrow is the anniversary of …………… (name of the deceased)
We, along with the entire family, follow the rituals and sincerely offer our prayers, betel and areca nuts, flowers, tea, and fruits, and burn incense before the ancestral altar, inviting the deities and the revered spirits to witness our sincerity and accept our offerings.
We respectfully invite the deities of the Land God, the Stove God, the Dragon Vein, and other revered spirits to be present before the altar, witness our sincerity, enjoy our offerings, and bless our family with peace and prosperity.
We invite the deities, our ancestors, and the wandering souls of our clan to join us here and share in our offerings.
Our offerings may be humble, but our hearts are sincere. We humbly ask for your blessings and protection.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
Prayer at the Ancestor’s Grave Before the Anniversary
3 Prayer for the First Anniversary
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
I bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven and the Ten Directions of the Buddha, the Buddha of the Ten Directions.
Today is the … day of the … month of the … year … in the lunar calendar, corresponding to the … day of the … month of the … year … in the solar calendar.
At (address): ……………………
I, the eldest son (or the eldest grandson) ……., follow the instructions of my mother (or parents if it is the father), uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law, and grandchildren, respectfully bow.
On the occasion of the Chung That (Tough Khoc) ceremony, according to ancient traditions, we have respectfully prepared the following offerings: …………………..
We humbly offer these modest gifts as a symbol of our sincerity.
Before the spirit tablet of Hien: …………………… May your soul be at peace.
We respectfully inform you that:
The Hien star is dim, and the Thung house is in shadow. (If it is the father) / The Yi star is dim, and the Huyen house is in shadow. (If it is the mother)
The love and care of our parents are immeasurable.
Their kindness is as vast as the ocean and as high as the sky.
For so long, we have been sighing and dreaming.
We miss you in this world of the living and the dead.
When you were alive, you brought joy and happiness to our family.
But now that you are gone, we are left with sadness and longing.
Days turn into months, and it has now been a week since your passing.
With humble offerings and a sincere heart, we invite you to join us in this ceremony.
We invite:
Hien…
Hien…
Hien…
Along with the departed souls of our ancestors, uncles, aunts, and cousins, please join us in enjoying these offerings.
We respectfully inform the deities of the Stove God, the Land God, the Holy Teacher, the Ancestral Teacher, and the Five Family Gods, and ask for their blessings and protection for our family’s peace and well-being.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
Prayer for the First Anniversary
4 Prayer for the Final Anniversary
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
I bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven and the Ten Directions of the Buddha, the Buddha of the Ten Directions.
I respectfully bow to the Imperial Emperor, the Queen Mother, and all the deities.
I respectfully bow to the deities and the Earth God who govern this land.
I respectfully bow to our ancestors, the Cao Tang ancestors, the Cao Tang ancestors’ sisters, and the ancestors of the inner and outer families.
I, the believer, am: …
Residing at: …
Today is the … day of the … month of the … year in the lunar calendar.
It is the final anniversary of …
As … has passed away and is no longer in this world, we cannot see their physical form. A year has passed since their passing. Their kindness and virtue are as vast as the ocean and as high as the sky, and their love and care for us are immeasurable. We deeply appreciate their contributions to our family and our lives. On this anniversary, we, along with our entire family, sincerely prepare offerings and burn incense to express our gratitude. We invite you to witness our sincerity, accept our offerings, and bless us with peace and prosperity.
Passed away on the … day of the … month of the … year …
Buried at: …
We humbly invite your soul to descend upon this altar, witness our sincerity, accept our offerings, and bless your descendants with peace and prosperity.
I also invite the souls of the previous and subsequent landowners to join us in enjoying these offerings.
I invite our ancestors, the Cao Tang ancestors, the Cao Tang ancestors’ sisters, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, cousins, and all the ancestors of the inner and outer families to join us in enjoying these offerings.
Our offerings may be humble, but our hearts are sincere. We humbly ask for your blessings and protection.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat! (3 times)
Prayer for the Final Anniversary
5 Prayer for Regular Anniversaries
I bow to the Nine Directions of Heaven and the Ten Directions of the Buddha, the Buddha of the Ten Directions.
– I respectfully bow to the Imperial Emperor, the Queen Mother, and all the deities.
– I respectfully bow to the Eastern Kitchen, the Life-Governing Stove God.
– I respectfully bow to the deities and the Earth God who govern this land.
– I respectfully bow to our ancestors, the Cao Tang ancestors of the inner and outer families.
I, the believer, am: … Age …
Residing at: …
Today is the … day of the … month of the … year in the lunar calendar.
It is the anniversary of …
A year has passed, and it is now the anniversary of their passing. Their kindness and virtue are as vast as the ocean and as high as the sky, and their love and care for us are immeasurable. We deeply appreciate their contributions to our family and our lives. On this anniversary, we, along with our entire family, sincerely prepare offerings and burn incense to express our gratitude. We invite you to witness our sincerity, accept our offerings, and bless us with peace and prosperity.
Passed away on the … day of the … month of the … year … (lunar calendar):…
Buried at: …
We humbly invite your soul to descend upon this altar, witness our sincerity, accept our offerings, and bless your descendants with peace and prosperity.
I also invite the souls of the previous and subsequent landowners to join us in enjoying these offerings.
I invite our ancestors, the inner and outer families’ ancestors, the Cao Tang ancestors, the Cao Tang ancestors’ sisters, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, cousins, and all the ancestors’ souls to join us in enjoying these offerings.
Our offerings may be humble, but our hearts are sincere. We humbly ask for your blessings and protection.
Respectfully announced!
Prayer for Regular Anniversaries
This article provides information about the significance of ancestral worship prayers and includes prayers for different occasions. We hope you find it helpful!
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