Prayer for the opening ceremony on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, Year of the Snake 2025
The ceremony of taking down the New Year's pole, also known as the opening ceremony, is also known by several other names such as the ceremony of taking down the New Year's pole, the ceremony of giving thanks for the New Year, and the ceremony of burning votive paper.
1. What is the Spring Festival?
According to ancient customs, from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month to the 30th day of the Lunar New Year, people erected a New Year's pole adorned with decorations such as small circles, symbolizing the welcoming of good fortune in the new year, the farewell to bad luck and misfortune of the old year, and the expulsion of evil spirits to ensure a peaceful New Year celebration with their families.
And at the end of Tet, descendants will perform a ritual of burning votive paper to bid farewell to their ancestors, which takes place on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year. At that time, the Tet pole will be taken down, marking the beginning of a joyful day to welcome the new spring and pray for good fortune for the whole year.
According to tradition, the ceremony of taking down the ceremonial pole will take place on the 7th day of the lunar month.
2. The auspicious time to lower the New Year's pole is also the 7th day of the Lunar New Year 2025.
According to the lunar calendar, the 7th day of the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Snake 2025 (February 4th, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar) has the following auspicious times for performing the ritual of lowering the New Year pole:
Tiger Hour (3 AM - 5 AM): Very auspicious for performing rituals and praying for family peace and prosperity.
The Hour of the Dragon (7 AM - 9 AM): A time of minor auspiciousness, bringing good luck and favorable circumstances.
The Hour of the Snake (9 AM - 11 AM): Suitable for religious ceremonies and offering incense.
Monkey Hour (3 PM - 5 PM): Auspicious for concluding Lunar New Year rituals and welcoming good fortune.
The Hour of the Rooster (5 PM - 7 PM): Brings good fortune and prosperity to the family.
The Hour of the Pig (9 PM - 11 PM): An auspicious time to complete rituals and pray for peace.
In particular, the time frame from 7 am to 9 am (the Hour of the Dragon) is considered the Hour of Minor Auspiciousness, very favorable for conducting important ceremonies such as taking down the ceremonial pole.
3. Prayer for lowering the coffin on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, Year of the Snake 2025:
Below is a prayer recited on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year to help homeowners express their reverence and wish for a peaceful and fortunate new year.
Namo Amitabha Buddha (3 times)
- I respectfully bow to the nine directions of heaven, the ten directions of all Buddhas, and all the Buddhas of the ten directions.
- I respectfully bow before Heaven, Earth, Dragon Vein, Kitchen God, and all revered deities.
- I respectfully bow before Heaven and Earth, and all the Venerable Deities.
- I respectfully bow before the presiding deity of the year, the local tutelary deity, the earth deities, the kitchen god, and the dragon vein deity.
- I respectfully bow before my ancestors, both paternal and maternal, and all departed spirits.
Today is the 7th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake (乙巳).
We are: ……………………………years old………………
Currently residing at ……………………………………………….
With sincere hearts, we prepare incense, flowers, offerings, and ceremonial wine, respectfully placing them before the altar. We humbly present: The spring feast has ended, the New Year's Day has passed, and now we respectfully burn the gold and silver offerings, giving thanks to the revered deities and escorting the departed spirits back to the underworld.
We humbly pray for blessings, grace, protection, and guidance for both the living and the deceased, that all things be auspicious, that our descendants may have everything they wish for, that all things be peaceful, that wealth and prosperity be abundant, and that our family may flourish.
With sincere reverence and humble offerings, we respectfully present this gift, humbly requesting your merciful consideration and witness.
Namo Amitabha Buddha (3 times)