Should we release carp on Ong Cong and Ong Tao day?

Many households often release carp on the occasion of worshiping the Kitchen Gods. Photo: Thanh Cuong

On the day of the Kitchen Gods (23rd of the 12th lunar month), Mr. Tran Dinh Son - Deputy of the Central Cultural Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, shared about what to do and what not to do.

- Where does the Vietnamese Kitchen Gods' Day originate from, sir?

- Since ancient times, people have worshiped natural phenomena due to fear of natural disasters.

Mr. Tran Dinh Son - Deputy Head of the Central Cultural Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

natural things like earth, water, wind, fire, mountains, rivers, the sun... Gradually, this worship became a folk belief in worshiping gods. When the monarchy of feudal dynasties was formed, the kings, in order to establish their power as the Son of Heaven, gave titles to the gods, turning them into people with clear personalities and ranks.

Since then, like many other gods, Ong Cong (Tho Cong) is the god of the land, revered as the main god of blessings. Countries belonging to the rice civilization highly respect the god of the land to pray for a bountiful harvest, prosperity, well-being and happiness for people and animals. People worship Ong Cong as the god who bestows blessings and fortune on all professions in society.

The Kitchen God (Tao Quan) is revered by the people as the God of the East Kitchen, the God of Food and Food. According to popular belief, the Kitchen God not only manages the food and drink in the family but also has the duty to record the good and evil deeds of the homeowner to report to Heaven at the end of the year. God will base on the Kitchen God's report to bless or bring disaster to the people in order to encourage good and punish evil.

Offering tray for Tao Quan.

People believe that Tao Quan is the guardian deity of children, and women pay much attention to worshipping him, believing that the family will be warm, prosperous, and the children will be healthy and safe. The legend of Tao Quan has even been built by Vietnamese people into a legend of "one woman, two men" including the god of the land, the god of the house, and the god of the kitchen.

- How has the ceremony to worship the Kitchen Gods changed from the past to the present?

- From ancient times until now, Vietnamese people have maintained the custom of worshiping Ong Cong and Ong Tao on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month every year. In the past, perhaps due to the agricultural life, this worship also had the meaning of closing the old year, preparing the house for the New Year's Eve ceremony, welcoming ancestors to celebrate Tet, and opening the new year.

The worship of Ong Cong and Ong Tao in our country has existed for thousands of years, passed down from generation to generation, with the profound purpose of reminding people to live according to morality and ethics from the family to the outside world. Folklore believes that there are always gods watching and recording the daily work of each person, so if people want to have a happy and prosperous life, they must avoid doing evil, diligently do good, and protect the natural environment.

But today, due to rapid industrial development that changes material life, traditional cultural values ​​of the past have faded. Society increasingly favors formalities and pays less attention to spiritual values ​​on the day of worshiping Ong Cong and Ong Tao.

- How should people release animals and burn votive paper on the day of worshiping the Kitchen Gods?

- When worshiping gods, Buddhas, saints, and ancestors, the most important thing is to pray with all your heart, "a small offering and a sincere heart" is the best. Releasing carp on the occasion of sending the Kitchen God to heaven in the North or burning paper horses and paper paintings in the South is just an old practice, so today it is followed. According to folk beliefs, releasing carp is to provide a means for the Kitchen God to return to heaven, and does not have the meaning of releasing animals as in Buddhist beliefs.

Nowadays, environmental pollution is affecting the health of people in urban areas more and more seriously. Therefore, on the day of worshiping the Kitchen God, people should not burn votive paper in worship rituals. Burning votive paper must be considered a bad custom that everyone needs to consciously abolish.

As for releasing animals, it should be understood in its original meaning that when people encounter rare animals that are captured or in trouble, they should find a way to rescue them and then release them back into the natural environment. Or if they want to release animals, they should buy birds and fish that are about to be slaughtered and release them back into the wild. Buying animals, especially those that are harmful to the environment, and releasing them into rivers and lakes is not releasing animals but harming nature. Therefore, it is not advisable to release fish or animals on the day of worshiping Ong Cong and Ong Tao.

- What advice do you have for people when preparing offerings?

- Ong Cong and Ong Tao days are very important to every family's kitchen. Therefore, there should be a small place in the kitchen to worship these deities, so that it is both cozy and not too expensive. Every time family members see this place, they will be conscious of nurturing the kitchen as well as each family meal. Instead of worrying about buying expensive trays and full dishes, each family should cook a simple meal together, to have more opportunities to chat with each other by the fire, and eat family meals together after busy days.

Each family should only prepare a cup of tea, some fruits, and candies to worship the Kitchen Gods. They should not prepare a lavish feast. Because the custom of worshipping the Kitchen Gods is to remind everyone to live honestly. What is important is that everyone's heart is directed towards their grandparents and ancestors during these days.