Prayer for the opening of the 7th day of the Lunar New Year 2025
The ceremony of lowering the pole, also known as the opening ceremony, is also known by other names such as the pole lowering ceremony, the New Year thanksgiving ceremony, and the votive paper burning ceremony.
1. What is the opening ceremony?
In ancient customs, from December 23 to the 30th of Tet, people erect a pole with decorations such as small circles with the meaning of welcoming good luck in the new year, sending away bad luck of the old year, eliminating and preventing evil spirits from disturbing the family for a peaceful Tet.
And when Tet ends, descendants will hold a ceremony to burn votive papers to send their ancestors back to the underworld, which takes place on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year. At that time, the Tet pole will be taken down, opening a happy day to welcome the new spring, wishing for luck for the whole year.
According to custom, the flag-lowering ceremony will take place on the 7th day of the lunar calendar according to ancient custom.
2. Good time to lower the flagpole on the 7th day of Tet 2025
According to the perpetual calendar, on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year 2025 (February 4, 2025 in the solar calendar), there are good times to perform the flag-lowering ceremony as follows:
Hour of the Tiger (3am - 5am): Very good for performing ceremonies, praying for family peace.
Dragon Hour (7am - 9am): Minor Auspicious Hour, brings luck and convenience.
Hour of Ty (9am - 11am): Suitable for worship and incense offering rituals.
Hour of the Monkey (3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.): Good for ending Tet rituals and welcoming fortune.
Hour of the Rooster (5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.): Brings luck and prosperity to the family.
Hour of the Pig (9pm - 11pm): Good time to complete rituals and pray for peace.
In particular, the time frame from 7am to 9am (Dragon hour) is considered the Minor Auspicious hour, very favorable for conducting important rituals such as lowering the flagpole.
3. Prayer for lowering the flagpole on the 7th day of Lunar New Year 2025:
Below is a prayer for lowering the flagpole on the 7th day of Tet to help homeowners express their respect and pray for a peaceful and lucky new year.
Namo Amitabha Buddha (3 times)
- I respectfully bow to the nine directions of heaven, the ten directions of Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions.
- I respectfully bow to the Emperor of Heaven, the Earth God, the Dragon Vein, the Kitchen God, and all the deities.
- I respectfully bow to the Emperor of Heaven, the Mother of Earth, and all the Gods.
- I respectfully bow to the current year's ruler, the local Thanh Hoang, the Tho Dia, Tao Quan, and Long Mach Ton Than.
- I respectfully bow to my ancestors.
Today is January 7, year of the Snake
We are: ……………………………years old………………
Currently residing at ……………………………………………….
Sincerely prepare incense, flowers, offerings, wine, and ceremonial offerings, and place them before the altar. Respectfully report: The spring feast is over, the New Year has passed, now please burn gold and silver, offer thanks to the Gods, and escort the spirit back to the underworld.
I respectfully ask for blessings, grace, and protection for the earthly and positive world, for all things to be good, for my children to have all their wishes come true, for all things to be peaceful, for both wealth and prosperity for my family.
With all my heart, I respectfully present this humble gift. May the Almighty consider and bear witness.
Namo Amitabha Buddha (3 times)
