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The Ultimate Guide to Ancestral Worship: Honoring the Patrons of the Performing Arts

Every year on the 12th day of the eighth lunar month, Vietnam celebrates Theatre Day, a day dedicated to honoring the country's vibrant theatre industry and paying respects to its ancestors. As part of this special occasion, artists and theatre enthusiasts come together to commemorate their craft and seek blessings for their profession. This day holds significant cultural value, and understanding the proper rituals and offerings is essential for those wishing to pay their respects to the theatre ancestors.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

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On August 12th of the lunar calendar, Vietnam celebrates Vietnamese Theatre Day, also known as the Anniversary of the Theatre Ancestor. This day was established by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 13/QD-TTg in 2011. It is a significant day for artists to express their gratitude and respect to the Theatre Ancestor for their blessings and protection in their artistic pursuits. Let’s explore the rituals and offerings made on this special day.

1. Offerings for the Theatre Ancestor

For artists, this day holds great importance, and they take special care in preparing the offerings with reverence and attention to detail. The following are the typical offerings presented on this day:

Sticky rice with a chicken – This combination is a common feature in ancestral worship and expresses the sincerity and respect of the artists towards their Theatre Ancestor.

In Vietnamese culture, agriculture and animal husbandry are revered, as they provide the sustenance that has nourished generations. The chicken, a familiar and beloved animal in the zodiac, is chosen to represent this.

A large fruit platter and a beautiful flower arrangement – The fruit platter typically includes five different types of fresh and colorful fruits, symbolizing the wishes and aspirations of those in the theatre industry. The flower arrangement may include lilies, chrysanthemums, or carnations, expressing gratitude and respect to the Theatre Ancestor and other revered figures.

Recommended fruits include dragon fruit, mangoes, and longans, while fruits like bananas, oranges, and cakes are not recommended. Similarly, red and white gladiolus flowers are not typically used in these offerings.

Offerings for the Theatre Ancestor

Salted dishes – Two sets of salted dishes are prepared and presented as part of the offerings. These dishes are carefully prepared using fresh and hygienic ingredients.

Other offerings – Additional offerings may include five bowls of white porridge or five plates of vegetarian dishes, along with five plates of sticky rice and five bowls of sweet soup. Other items like rice and salt, incense and candles, betel and areca nuts, and ceremonial paper (“vang ma”) are also included.

2. Invocation for the Theatre Ancestor

Nam mo A Di Da Phat!

I bow to the Nine Heavens and the Ten Directions, and to the Buddhas of the Ten Directions.

I respectfully bow to the Gods of the Jade Emperor and the Earth.

I respectfully bow to the God of the Eastern Kitchen, the Guardian of the Stove.

I respectfully bow to the Gods and the Genie of the Land in this region.

My name is [name], and I live at [address].

Today is the [date] of the [month] of the [year]. I sincerely offer incense, flowers, tea, and fruits, along with a heartful of incense, to invite: The Gods of the Jade Emperor, the Land Genie, the City God, the Genie of the House, and all the Gods.

I respectfully invite the Saint of the Theatre profession.

I pray that the Gods and Saints of the theatre profession will take pity on me, descend to the court, witness my sincerity, enjoy the offerings, and protect me so that my family is safe, my work is smooth, my fortune is prosperous, my mind is open to the path, my wishes are fulfilled, and my heart’s desires are realized.

My ceremony is simple, but my heart is sincere. I respectfully bow before the court and ask for your protection.

Nam mo A Di Da Phat!

Invocation for the Theatre Ancestor

3. Rituals for the Theatre Ancestor

The rituals for the Theatre Ancestor are unique and hold a different purpose from other ancestral worship ceremonies. These rituals are performed to express gratitude to the Theatre Ancestor for establishing the foundation of the theatre industry and protecting its practitioners. Typically, elderly and respected individuals in the theatre community lead these rituals, which consist of three main steps:

Step 1 – All offerings are carefully prepared and arranged on the altar, with candles lit and water and incense offered. The altar is positioned to face outward, symbolizing the wish for the theatre industry to thrive and prosper.

Step 2 – The ritual leader lights incense, joins their palms together, and bows three times while sincerely reciting the invocation. This is done to wish for good fortune and development for all those involved in the theatre industry. After reciting the invocation, the leader joins their palms, bows three times, and pours three cups of wine and three cups of water as an offering.

Step 3 – Once the incense has burned out, the leader joins their palms and bows three more times. They then pour more wine, add water, and burn the ceremonial paper. The rice and salt are scattered on the road, while the sticky rice, chicken, and salted dishes are shared among those present at the ceremony.

Rituals for the Theatre Ancestor

4. Activities on the Anniversary of the Theatre Ancestor by Vietnamese Artists

Every year, on the 12th of August in the lunar calendar, Vietnamese artists from all over the country engage in various activities to honor and remember the Theatre Ancestor. This day holds immense significance and reverence for those in the theatre industry. Common activities include:

Offering incense and flowers to the Theatre Ancestor.
Paying tribute to veteran artists and remembering those who have passed away.
Presenting artistic and cultural performances.

Activities on the Anniversary of the Theatre Ancestor

The above details the rituals, offerings, and invocations for the Theatre Ancestor on Vietnamese Theatre Day. We hope you found this information helpful!