The Tao Quan worshiping ceremony is a long-standing traditional custom of the Vietnamese people. Every 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, each Vietnamese family performs the Tao Quan offering to see off the Kitchen Gods to heaven. People believe that the three gods in charge of the kitchen ride a carp up to report to the Jade Emperor about the family’s affairs over the past year.
The Vietnamese tradition of worshiping the Kitchen Gods originates from three bases: first, the fertility belief, wishing for fertility and prosperity; second, it is based on the production basis of rice agriculture; third, the polytheistic belief, worshiping the Kitchen Gods is actually worshiping the Fire God.
In addition to familiar offerings such as pork, shrimp, boiled eggs, or mandatory items on the altar such as gold and silver paper money and fresh flowers, grilled snakehead fish is a must-have dish on this occasion.
1 Brings luck and fortune
The belief that offering snakehead fish brings good luck and fortune has been passed down through generations, and it has become increasingly popular. Explaining the reason for offering snakehead fish during the Kitchen Gods ceremony, feng shui expert Mai Van Sinh said: “The rush to buy snakehead fish on the day of worshiping the Kitchen Gods is due to habit and superstition.”
See also:
Snakehead fish on the day of worshiping the Kitchen Gods
2 Praying for Abundance and Prosperity
Since ancient times, the Vietnamese have admired the loyalty of the Kitchen Gods and worship them with the hope that the Kitchen Gods will help keep the “family fire” warm and happy.
The Kitchen God is the god who governs all the activities of the family. He decides the family’s fortune and keeps evil spirits away, maintaining peace for the family. In addition to the mandatory items on the offering tray, offering grilled snakehead fish caught from the water symbolizes a prayer for abundance, fullness, and prosperity.
Note when offering grilled snakehead fish:
– The snakehead fish for the Kitchen Gods worship must be left whole, with scales, fins, and tail intact, and then grilled whole. Leaving the fish intact is to remember our ancestors’ hardships during the early days of land reclamation.
Considering Offering Types for the July Full Moon Prayer
Do you want to know what offerings should be made to the full moon in July? It all depends on the traditions and personal preferences of every family. Find out how to prepare vegetarian or savory dishes for the seventh month full moon celebration.
7 Appropriate and Practical Lunar New Year Gifts for Teachers
With Lunar New Year just around the corner, what better way to express your appreciation to your teachers than with a special gift? Choosing the right gift can be tricky, so let Dien May XANH help you out! Here, we have hand-picked 7 luxurious yet suitable gifts that you can give to your teachers this Tet. Check them out now!
3-year-old experiences a White Luck sweep and cleans up the front door: Be cautious and don’t lose money for no reason in 2024
In 2024, Libra Zodiac sign will face various challenges and unexpected misfortunes, requiring utmost caution.
Luck is on your side: 3-year-old blessed with abundance and prosperity till Lunar New Year 2024
The Rooster sign is one of the lucky zodiac signs this week.
What is Tamarind Flower? How to Arrange Tamarind Blossoms for a Beautiful and Elegant Tet Decoration
In addition to apricot blossoms and cherry blossoms, the tamarind flower also contributes to the festive atmosphere of Tet. Let’s find out what the tamarind flower is and how to use it for Tet decoration!
