Indoor New Year's Eve Prayer
Night of the 30th of the 12th lunar month, after the outdoor rite, offered at the indoor ancestral altar
Meaning
After the outdoor New Year's Eve rite, the head of household enters and conducts an offering to the ancestors to announce the year's transition and invite ancestors to celebrate Tết with the descendants. This rite expresses filial reverence to forebears and asks for their blessing in the new year.
Offering preparation
Offering tray: sticky rice, boiled chicken, bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), Tết candied fruit, fresh fruit, wine, tea, incense, and candles. Arranged on the indoor ancestral altar.
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 Kitchen Gods, and all the venerable deities.
I respectfully bow to the high ancestors and ancestresses, to uncles and brothers, aunts and sisters, and to all the spirits of the lineage on both paternal and maternal sides.
The faithful (we) are: ..........................................
Residing at: ..........................................
Tonight is New Year's Eve. With sincere heart we present at the altar offerings of incense and flowers, respectfully inviting:
The spirits of the lineage on both paternal and maternal sides, and the family ancestors, to descend and receive them.
We respectfully report: The old year .......... has passed, and the new year .......... has come. The descendants of this house are gathered together, remembering the kindness of our ancestors, and humbly ask that the venerable spirits bless us:
That our family enjoy peace in all things.
That our children study well and succeed.
That we have abundant health and long, virtuous lives.
That our livelihood prosper and our wealth grow.
We offer modest gifts with sincere hearts; we respectfully present them and ask the ancestors to bear witness.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)