According to ancient beliefs, the Kitchen Gods, or Ong Cong Ong Tao, are responsible for deciding the fortune of a family. The amount of fortune a family accumulates depends on their lifestyle and how they treat one another. Therefore, preparing offerings for this occasion is of great importance as it demonstrates one’s sincerity and respect, asking the Kitchen Gods to report only good things to the Jade Emperor. However, not everyone knows what items to prepare for the ceremony and how to perform it correctly. We are here to guide you through these matters.
See also: A comprehensive guide to the ceremony, including timing and procedures for 2024
1 What items are included in the paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods?
The items included in the paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods vary across regions. Typically, the offerings consist of three hats for the Kitchen Gods, with two hats for the male gods and one for the female god. The hats for the male gods have two wings, while the female god’s hat does not. These hats are decorated with small, round, sparkling mirrors and colorful tinsel. Sometimes, people may offer a single hat for the male Kitchen God, along with a pair of paper shoes and a robe.
Additionally, according to central Vietnam’s customs, families prepare paper horses with saddles and bridles, while in southern Vietnam, the offerings are simpler, including only a pair of paper shoes, a hat, and paper clothing.
2 How to properly burn the paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods?
Incantation for burning paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods
Nam Mo A-di-da Phat
Nam Mo A-di-da Phat
Nam Mo A-di-da Phat
I bow to the nine skies, the ten directions, and the Buddhas of the ten directions.
I bow to the East Kitchen God, the Mandate of the Gods, the God of the Stove.
Today is the 23rd day of the twelfth month of the year …………………
We are: ……………………………age………………
Currently residing at ……………………………………………….
Today, on the 23rd day of the twelfth month, we sincerely offer incense, flowers, and other offerings, as well as clothes, hats, and shoes to the Kitchen Gods.
We humbly ask the Kitchen Gods to forgive us for any wrongdoing in the past year and bestow blessings and protection upon our family. We pray for good health, peace, and prosperity for all our family members, young and old.
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!
Nam Mo A Di Da Phat!
Incantation for burning paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods
Guidelines for burning paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods
All paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods, including the shoes, hell money, and clothing, should be burned after the ceremony on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, along with the old plaque. Following this, a new plaque should be made for the Kitchen Gods.
The ceremony is usually performed before the Kitchen Gods ride the carp to heaven, which is before noon on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. Depending on their convenience, families may choose to perform the ceremony on the evening of the 22nd or the morning of the 23rd, as it is believed that the gates of heaven will close after noon on the 23rd.
See also:
Guidelines for burning paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods
Notably, each offering tray for the Kitchen Gods must include a carp, symbolizing the belief that the carp transforms into a dragon to carry the Kitchen Gods to heaven to meet the Jade Emperor. However, if a family cannot afford to buy a live carp for release, they can burn a paper carp along with hell money and other paper offerings.
Nowadays, some families go beyond traditional customs and offer luxurious items such as paper airplanes, phones, and other extravagant goods. However, it is important to remember that the ceremony should be rooted in sincerity and reverence rather than opulence.
We hope that with this information, you now know what items to include in the paper offerings for the Kitchen Gods and can confidently prepare a respectful and complete ceremony on the 23rd day of the twelfth month.
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