Worshipping Mr. Cong Apple is one of the important holidays before the Lunar New Year. It is believed that a year begins with the 1st of the Lunar New Year and ends with the day of worshipping Mr. Cong Tao.
Therefore, on the day of worshipping Mr. Cong Tao, there are things that should be avoided and noted about vows and prayers so as not to be disrespectful to the gods.
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Do not worship at the Horse hour on December 23
An important thing about the time to worship Mr. Cong Cong Apple that everyone needs to remember is not to worship after the Horse hour. The Horse hour is the time frame from 11 a.m. to 12:59 p.m. Many people think that it is only not recommended to worship after 12 o'clock, and about 11 o'clock to 12 o'clock it is still okay. However, this is wrong.
Horse Hour is the time when the Kitchen gods have returned to heaven, and the offering ceremony must be carried out before the gods depart. Moreover, depending on the conditions of arranging the work of each house, it is recommended to offer earlier so that everything is thoughtful and leisurely without leading to shortcomings.
Do not place the tray under the stove
Many families still have the habit of performing the ritual of offering in the kitchen because Mr. Apple is the God of the Kitchen, so it is reasonable to place the offering there. However, this practice is not in line with the rules of worship.
Families who make offerings in the kitchen often make temporary incense bowls. But the gods in the house all dwell in the altar. Therefore, placing the offering tray in the main worship area in the house is correct.
In addition, the kitchen area is a place for cooking, which is not always clean and fragrant. Therefore, families need to consider placing the offering tray in the right place, so that the confession will be more convenient.
Don't beg for riches, money
Many people mistakenly believe that just making offerings is to pray for abundant money, favorable business, and fortune. However, Mr. Cong Cong Apple returned to worship heaven to tell about big and small things during a year of the family under the lower world. Therefore, we vow to focus on the peace, harmony, joy, and health of family members. It is okay for the gods to report good things.
Do not throw or release carp from above
One of the great taboos to avoid on the day of seeing off Mr. Cong Apple is throwing and releasing carp from above.
Carp is a means for Mr. Cong Apple to go to heaven. The golden carp is considered a symbol of the gods. Carp also symbolizes happiness, endurance, and resilience, implying "carp turns into a dragon". Therefore, the act of releasing carp has great spiritual significance. If homeowners release carp from above or throw a plastic bag wrapped in carp into the water, it will offend the gods. Carp should be released in clear blue ponds and lakes, when stocking, be gentle and slow.
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Bringing Mr. Apple to heaven is an extremely important spiritual custom of Vietnamese people in the last days of the year. It is considered a day to mark the preparation for a new year. Therefore, the notes when worshipping Mr. Cong Cong Apple need to be paid very close attention by families to help start a smoother new year.
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