As the new year approaches, many people are busy with work and decorating their homes for the holiday. Today, we’ll reveal the best liquids to use when cleaning your ancestral altar to bring good luck and fortune.
1 Why You Shouldn’t Use Tap Water to Clean Your Ancestral Altar
Why avoid using tap water to clean your ancestral altar?
Using warm water instead of cold water to clean your ancestral altar, as well as the tablets and incense burner, is believed to invite blessings and good fortune from your ancestors. Additionally, tap water may not effectively remove dirt and grime like warm water or specially prepared liquids.
2 The Right Liquids to Clean Your Ancestral Altar
Ginger-Infused Alcohol
Ginger-infused alcohol
Alcohol and ginger have warming properties and are effective at eliminating odors. Simply crush 1-2 ginger roots and soak them in alcohol to create a potent ancestral altar cleaning solution. This mixture will remove stubborn stains and cleanse the altar of any lingering negative energy.
Using this mixture is also believed to attract wealth and good luck, as alcohol and ginger are thought to ward off evil spirits and bring fortune to your home.
Garlic-Infused Alcohol
Garlic-infused alcohol
Like ginger-infused alcohol, garlic-infused alcohol is another effective option for cleaning your ancestral altar during the holidays. Garlic has long been known for its ability to repel evil spirits, and using garlic-infused alcohol will infuse your home with positive energy.
Garlic and alcohol are easily accessible, and when combined, they create a powerful cleaning agent that removes stubborn stains and built-up grime from the altar, incense burner, and other objects.
To use this mixture, simply peel and soak the garlic cloves in alcohol for 7-10 days before cleaning your altar. If you’re short on time, you can also crush the garlic and mix it with alcohol for immediate use.
Ngũ Vị Hương (Five-Spice) Water
Ngũ Vị Hương water
Ngũ Vị Hương water, also known as scented water or “bao sái,” is considered the best liquid for cleaning ancestral altars during the Lunar New Year. It is made by boiling five different types of fragrant herbs and spices, including cloves, cinnamon, star anise, eucalyptus, and sandalwood. These ingredients are believed to ward off negative energy and create a pleasant aroma.
To prepare this liquid, simply boil 1.5 liters of filtered water with the herbs for 3-5 minutes and then turn off the heat. Dip a clean cloth into the liquid and use it to wipe down the altar. For a stronger fragrance that lasts longer, increase the boiling time or add more herbs.
Warm Water
Warm water
If you’re short on time, warm water is a suitable alternative. It effectively removes built-up residue from the altar and its objects. Simply boil water for 15-20 minutes, let it cool down, and then use a damp cloth to wipe the altar.
3 The Significance of Choosing the Right Liquid for Cleaning Your Ancestral Altar
Cleaning your ancestral altar is not just about maintaining its physical appearance; it’s also a way for descendants to show respect, piety, and gratitude to their ancestors. It is a time to seek blessings for a fortunate and peaceful new year.
The ancestral altar is a sacred space where the spirits of the deceased ancestors and various deities reside. It serves as a place of worship and a means to attract wealth, good fortune, and blessings for the entire family. However, using the wrong liquid to clean the altar may inadvertently negatively impact the family’s fortune and well-being.
The significance of choosing the right liquid for cleaning your ancestral altar.
We hope that these tips on cleaning your ancestral altar will bring good luck and prosperity to your home in the new year. May you find this information useful and beneficial.
