Vietnamese custom of worshiping Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao

02/02/2024 09:05

(BNP) – Every year until December 23, families often make offerings to bring Cong and Tao back to heaven. This is a unique feature of Vietnamese culture that has been preserved for many generations.


 

According to his father’s conception from ancient times, Than Tao Quan consists of “2 grandfathers and 1 grandmother” (collectively known as Tao Quan or Ong Tao).


The solemn and neat offering tray for Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao

December 23 is not only a traditional and important annual holiday for Vietnamese people, but also the first day of the Lunar New Year week. Every year, on this occasion, people always try to prepare the most neat and tidy offering tray.



 

Carp Gac sticky rice, carp sweet soup,... The way to shape carp is both beautiful and lively and is a delicious dish in the offerings to Mr. Cong and Mr. Tao.


 

The tray of offerings to Mr. Cong Ong Tao is usually very full; has incense, flowers, oases, fruits, areca, betel nut; along with sticky rice, chicken, spring rolls, vermicelli soup… and indispensable a code of Mr. Cong and three codes of Mr. Tao. This code is different from year to year according to the five elements; there are five shirts – hats – hia are used in yellow, five are in blue…



 

The worshiping ceremony is usually conducted before 12 noon on the 23rd of the lunar calendar, so it can be done from noon on the 22nd of December until noon the next day. Because according to folklore, after 12 noon, the Taoist who has gone to worship the sky will not receive offerings anymore.



 

In addition, in the North, families also buy 3 more carp (or goldfish) to drop into the water bowl next to the tray. After the ceremony, they are brought to the river to release, they are considered as a means of bringing them to heaven. In addition, the carp image also conveys the aspiration of “carp turning into a dragon”, which implies sublimation, the spirit of perseverance to conquer knowledge and success.


 

In addition to traditional flowers such as chrysanthemums, roses, gladiolus, lilies... this year, many new types appeared such as willow, snow apricot, plum blossom...


 

The custom of worshiping Cong Ong Tao is a cultural and spiritual beauty of the Vietnamese people. The holiday is meant to educate about traditions in families, convey good wishes and contribute to the flavor of Tet in Vietnam.

By P.H