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What are the Three Sen Offerings? The Ultimate Guide to Offering Three Sen to the God of Wealth.

The practice of worship and offerings is a proud tradition in Vietnamese culture, with unique variations across the regions. In Southern Vietnam, the 'Tam Sen' trio represents earth, water, and sky, and is an essential feature of the God of Wealth altar.

Administrator

4 August, 2024

The people of Southern Vietnam have many unique customs, such as cooking sweet rice balls soup during Tet Holiday, visiting and cleaning the graves of ancestors, and erecting a “cay neu” (a tall tree-like structure) during Tet. Interestingly, Southerners also have a unique way of offering sacrifices by including a “tam sen” set on the altar. Let’s explore the details of this intriguing “tam sen” tradition.

For reference: What is the date for the God of Wealth’s birthday in 2024? What should we buy on this occasion?

1What is Tam Sen?

The “tam sen” set, also known as the “tam sinh,” is a unique cultural feature of Southern Vietnam in the custom of worshipping the God of Wealth.

Tam Sen can be interpreted in three ways:

The first meaning, from a cultural perspective, symbolizes earth, water, and sky, representing the environment in which we live.

Explaining the concept of Tam Sen

The second interpretation is based on the Lăng Nghiêm Sutra of Buddha, representing noãn sinh (egg-born), thai sinh (womb-born), and thấp sinh (born in damp places like shrimp and insects).

The “tam sen” set carries two main significances. Firstly, it is a way to pray for peace and prosperity for the family, invoking the blessings of heaven and earth. Secondly, it demonstrates the sincerity of the host, who has taken the time and effort to prepare and arrange the offerings.

In addition to being used in worshipping the God of Wealth, the “tam sen” set is also presented in ceremonies for the God of Land, seeking safety during construction, or at full-month parties to express gratitude to the twelve fairy midwives for a safe delivery and healthy baby.

Tam Sen is understood as three creatures living in three completely different environments:

A creature living on land, symbolizing Thổ (earth)
A creature living in water, symbolizing Thủy (water)
A creature living in the sky, symbolizing Thiên (heaven)

For reference: 3 most popular traditional Southern cakes

2The Most Standard “Tam Sen” Set for Worshipping the God of Wealth

Main Offerings

A standard “tam sen” set must include three elements:

A piece of boiled meat represents “thai sinh” and the element of Earth.

Three shrimps or other seafood like crab and fish represent “thấp sinh” and the element of Water.

A boiled duck egg represents “noãn sinh” and the element of Heaven, as ducks have feathers and can fly in the sky.

Missing any of these elements would render it incomplete, and the sacred meaning would be lost.

Accompanying Offerings for the “Tam Sen” Set when Worshipping the God of Wealth

In addition to the “Tam Sen” set, other offerings for the God of Wealth include:

Fresh cúc kim cương flowers.
A tray of five types of fruit.
Incense in the shape of dragons and phoenixes.
Candles.
White rice in a jar.
Salt in a jar.
Dried northern tea.
Glutinous rice wine.
Clear water.
Special paper for land-breaking ceremonies.
Cookies and candies.
Fresh betel and areca nuts.
Red sticky rice with mung beans.
White bean sweet soup.
Bánh hỏi (rice vermicelli woven into thin sheets).
White porridge.

Additionally, in many places, there is a custom of offering sticky rice cakes on the 10th day of the first lunar month.

In conclusion, I hope that people from the South, in particular, and other regions, in general, have learned how to properly prepare the “tam sen” set to get ready for the upcoming God of Wealth’s birthday celebration.

Frequently asked questions

The Three Sen Offerings are a traditional practice in Asian cultures, especially in Chinese and Buddhist communities, where devotees offer three types of ‘sen’ or ‘cents’ to the God of Wealth, also known as Tsai Shen Yeh. These offerings are believed to bring prosperity, luck, and financial abundance. The three types of sen represent different aspects of wealth: the first sen is for current or immediate wealth, the second sen is for future or long-term wealth, and the third sen is for spiritual or inner wealth, symbolizing the balance between material and spiritual prosperity.

To prepare the offerings, one should start by obtaining three sets of coins, preferably new or unused. Each set should consist of three coins of the same denomination, preferably in a currency that is currently in circulation. The coins are then placed in a red envelope, with each set of three coins wrapped separately. The envelope is then presented to the statue or image of Tsai Shen Yeh, along with other traditional offerings such as incense, fruit, and tea. It is customary to pray or chant while presenting the offerings, expressing gratitude and requesting continued blessings of wealth and prosperity.

Yes, there are several rituals and practices associated with this tradition. One common practice is to offer the Three Sen on the 5th day of the Chinese New Year, as it is believed to be an auspicious day for attracting wealth. Another practice is to place the red envelope containing the sen offerings in a wealth vase or bowl, which is then kept in a prosperous area of the home or business. Some devotees also like to burn incense and offer fresh flowers regularly to honor Tsai Shen Yeh and maintain a positive flow of energy.

Anyone can make the Three Sen Offerings to the God of Wealth. There are no restrictions based on gender, age, or social status. However, it is important to approach the practice with respect and sincerity. The offerings are commonly made during special occasions such as Chinese New Year, the God of Wealth’s birthday, or during times when one is seeking financial blessings or guidance. Devotees often make offerings in temples dedicated to Tsai Shen Yeh, but it can also be done in a personal altar set up at home or in a place of business.

The Three Sen Offerings are believed to bring numerous benefits, primarily related to wealth and prosperity. By making the offerings, devotees express their gratitude for past blessings and seek continued financial abundance. It is believed that Tsai Shen Yeh bestows good luck, helps attract new sources of income, and protects existing wealth. The practice also serves as a reminder to maintain a balance between material pursuits and spiritual growth, as the third sen offering symbolizes inner wealth and contentment.