Outdoor New Year's Eve Prayer
Night of the 30th of the 12th lunar month (or 29th if the month is short), the moment of transition from old year to new
Meaning
The outdoor New Year's Eve rite (also called the Trừ tịch ceremony) is the ritual of bidding farewell to the Hành khiển deity of the old year and welcoming the new year's deity. According to folk belief, each year a deity oversees the human realm; on New Year's Eve, this deity hands over duties to the next. Households make offerings outdoors to express gratitude and pray for a peaceful, favorable new year.
Offering preparation
Offerings include: a five-fruit tray, incense, candles, fresh flowers, betel and areca, wine, water, salt, rice, and votive paper. A boiled chicken or roast pig may be added depending on the family's means. Set the offerings in the yard or before the front door, facing outward.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)
I bow to the nine directions of Heaven, the ten directions of all Buddhas, the Buddhas of the ten directions.
I respectfully bow to August Heaven and Sovereign Earth and all the venerable deities.
I respectfully bow to the local Tutelary Deity of this realm, the Earth Deity of this place, and the Kitchen Gods of this household, together with all the venerable deities.
I respectfully bow to the assembled spirits of the lineage on both paternal and maternal sides.
The faithful (we) are: ..........................................
Residing at: ..........................................
Today is the 30th day of the 12th lunar month, year .......... (lunar), corresponding to the .......... of .......... in the year .......... (Gregorian).
On this Trừ tịch occasion, we sincerely prepare offerings of incense and flowers, laid before the altar, respectfully presented:
We respectfully invite the Hành khiển deity of the current year, the Hành binh deity, and all the venerable deities to descend and partake of these offerings.
As the old year passes and the new year arrives, we beseech the venerable deities to bless us:
That our family enjoy peace and good health.
That our work flow smoothly and all things go as wished.
That wealth flow abundantly and blessings, longevity, health and tranquility be ours.
We offer modest gifts with sincere hearts; we bow before the altar and humbly ask to be sheltered and supported.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)