Ground-Breaking Prayer
Before starting construction, digging foundations, or grading land
Meaning
The ground-breaking rite is the ceremony of asking permission from the deities (Earth Deity, Thổ Công) and ancestors before starting construction. By folk belief, all land is overseen by deities; one must ask permission before disturbing the earth in order to avoid offending them and inviting misfortune.
Offering preparation
Five-fruit tray, incense, candles, betel and areca, wine, rice, salt, votive paper. Set at the center or auspicious direction of the plot. Choose an auspicious day and month for the rite.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)
We respectfully bow to August Heaven and Sovereign Earth and all the venerable deities.
We respectfully bow to the deities overseeing this area.
We respectfully bow to the Earth Deity of this place.
We respectfully bow to the venerable Long Mạch Deity (the dragon vein of the land).
The faithful: ..........................................
Residing at: ..........................................
Today is the .......... day of the .......... month, year ..........
The faithful holds a plot of land at: ..........................................
We now wish to begin construction on this plot. First, we sincerely present offerings of incense and flowers, respectfully reporting to the deities and humbly asking permission to break ground.
We respectfully ask the deities:
To bless the construction with favor and safety.
To prevent misfortune and accidents during the work.
That the project be completed well and durably.
That our family, after moving in, enjoy peace and prosperity.
We offer modest gifts with sincere hearts; we respectfully present them.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)