In Vietnamese’s folk beliefs, the worshiping ceremony for “Ong Cong – Ong Tao” is one of the important ceremonies of the year. Every year, on the 23rd day of December lunar calendar, when the spring atmosphere is bustling throughout the country. The Vietnamese prepare rice trays to worship Ong Tao to return to Heaven. This is a unique culture of the Vietnamese nation, inherited from ancestors for generations.
1. The origin of the worshiping ceremony for “Ong Cong – Ong Tao”
According to legend, “Ong Cong Ong Tao” are the God of Kitchen, who look after the life of the whole family. “Tao Quan” is derived from three Gods: the God of Soil, the God of House and the God of Kitchen. However, people still know it collectively as Ong Tao.
“Tao Quan” is the God that decides the luck, risk and disaster of the homeowner. Besides, he also prevents the invasion of the devil and keep the family’s peaceful. Therefore, the worshiping ritual of “Ong Cong – Ong Tao” was meant to pray for prosperity and completeness. Ong Tao will go to Heaven and report to the Jade Emperor about the work, manners of every family in the world.
2. Meaning of custom “Ong Cong – Ong Tao”
According to Vietnamese conception, the three deities have the right to determine merit for the family. This blessing stems from the ethical practices of the homeowners and their family members. In addition, the apples also help prevent the invasion of demons from the abode and keep the peace of family members.
Because the “Tao Quan” are in the kitchen all year round, they know everything in the house, so every 23 December (lunar calendar), families celebrate the ceremony to see off “Ong Cong – Ong Tao” visit of Heaven.
In legend, carp is also the only means that can bring the Ong Tao to the Heaven. Therefore, after the ceremony is completed, the families all offer the carp with the meaning “ca chep hoa rong” meaning the carp as a means for the Ong Tao to return to Heaven. At noon on the 30th of New Year, “Ong Cong – Ong Tao” are in the lower world to continue their work.
3. Ceremony to worship “Ong Cong – Ong Tao”
The carp is a means for Ong Tao to ride to Heaven. On this day, after the ceremony is finished, the families of the common carp are brought to the river or pond. The carp represents the symbol of sublimation, the spirit of overcoming difficulties, perseverance and perseverance to achieve success.
In the traditional worshiping ceremony of “Ong Cong – Ong Tao”, the offerings include: three hats (two for men and one for women). These votive objects will be burned after the worshiping ceremony of Ong Tao. Depending on the family circumstances, in addition to the above main offerings, people either make salty or vegetarian trays to see off the Ong Tao.
Above is the ritual of worshiping “Ong Cong – Ong Tao”. Therefore, people need to understand the meaning of this practice in order to have appropriate cultural and spiritual behaviors.
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