Prayer for Sending the Kitchen Gods to Heaven
The 23rd day of the 12th lunar month each year
Meaning
The Kitchen Gods (Táo Quân) ceremony on the 23rd of the 12th lunar month is one of the most important rites before Tết. By belief, the Kitchen Gods are two male and one female, watching over the kitchen fire and the household's blessings; each year they ascend to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor (Ngọc Hoàng). Offering to the Kitchen Gods expresses the wish that this protective deity will speak well of the family at the heavenly court.
Offering preparation
Offerings: live carp (3 to be released, symbolizing the steed for ascending to heaven), incense, candles, fruit, betel and areca, wine, rice, salt, votive paper, and paper hat-and-robe sets for the Táo Quân. The offering is made on the morning of the 23rd of the 12th lunar month, before noon.
Content
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)
I respectfully bow to the Eastern Kitchen Sovereign of Destiny, Lord of the Kitchen Court (Đông Trù Tư Mệnh Táo Phủ Thần Quân).
The faithful: ..........................................
Residing at: ..........................................
Today is the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, year ........... (lunar).
We sincerely prepare incense, flowers, and offerings, presenting them before the altar.
We respectfully report: Today is the day You ascend to the heavenly court to report to the Jade Emperor on all matters of the household.
We humbly bow to You, the deity who oversees the kitchen fire and has sheltered our family throughout the past year.
We now respectfully present these offerings, beseeching You:
To report only auspicious matters and bless our household.
To shelter and bring peace to all in the family.
To bless the coming year with smooth fortune in all affairs.
We respectfully present this offering and ask the deity to bear witness.
Namo Amitābha Buddha! (3 times)