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The year-end ancestral worship ceremony, a sacred and meaningful ritual in Vietnamese culture, is not only an occasion to summarize the past year with its successes and shortcomings, but also a time to express deep respect and reverence for our ancestors. It's an opportunity for descendants to show gratitude to those who gave birth to and raised them, and to pray for a peaceful, happy, and prosperous new year.
In the warm atmosphere of family gatherings, the year-end feast is meticulously prepared with dishes characteristic of each region, expressing the respect and affection of children for their families. In the final days of the lunar year, as the weather turns cold, the fragrance of incense blends with the aroma of sticky rice cakes and boiled chicken, creating a cozy and harmonious atmosphere of reunion.
According to ancestral traditions, at the end of the year, Vietnamese families begin to gather and offer a farewell meal, considered the last meal of the year.
The year-end ancestral worship ceremony is not just a simple ritual, but also an opportunity for family members to gather together, share stories of the past year, reminisce about beautiful memories, and look forward to new plans for the coming year. It's also a chance for children and grandchildren to hear the teachings of their grandparents and parents, helping each person to further appreciate the traditional values of family and nation.
To prepare for the year-end ceremony, families typically prepare two trays of offerings: one for the ancestors and one for heaven, earth, spirits, and wandering souls. The tray for the ancestors, placed respectfully on the ancestral altar, is an indispensable part of the year-end ceremony. It's not just a simple meal, but a profound expression of reverence and gratitude from descendants to their deceased grandparents and ancestors. Through this offering, we show filial piety and pray for the ancestors' blessings and protection, ensuring peace, happiness, and prosperity for the family.
This meal is prepared quite simply, without being elaborate; all that matters is the host's sincerity.
The ancestral offering tray is usually prepared very carefully, with dishes characteristic of each region, reflecting the unique culinary culture of the nation. However, no matter where, the ancestral offering tray always carries the common meaning of neatness and solemnity. The dishes are usually carefully selected, using the freshest ingredients, prepared elaborately, and beautifully presented.
Depending on the economic conditions and customs of each family, the ancestral offering tray may vary. However, it usually includes traditional dishes such as banh chung (sticky rice cake), gio lua (pork sausage), nem ran (fried spring rolls), boiled chicken, etc. Each dish carries its own meaning, expressing respect and gratitude towards ancestors. For example, banh chung symbolizes the earth, representing people's connection to their homeland and country. Gio lua and nem ran (fried spring rolls) demonstrate the skill and meticulousness of the women in the family. Boiled chicken symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. In addition to traditional dishes, the ancestral offering tray may also include fresh fruits, betel nuts, wine, and, of course, the ancestral tablets. Everything is arranged in a balanced and harmonious way, creating a solemn and warm atmosphere.
Offerings to heaven and earth, spirits, and wandering souls are placed respectfully in the yard or in the space in front of the house. These offerings are usually prepared very carefully, with simple but deeply meaningful items. Besides basic offerings like fresh fruit, betel nuts, and wine, traditional dishes such as sticky rice, boiled chicken, and sweets can also be prepared. Each dish carries its own meaning, expressing sincerity and gratitude.
For people in Northern Vietnam, the New Year's Eve offering tray must always be complete: 4 bowls, 4 plates (small tray); 6 bowls, 6 plates or 8 bowls, 8 plates for a large tray. Some families even prepare a large tray stacked 2 to 3 layers high.
Setting up an outdoor altar for offerings is not merely a ritual but also carries deep spiritual significance. According to folk beliefs, offering sacrifices outdoors allows deities and spirits to more easily receive the offerings and bestow blessings upon the family. At the same time, outdoor offerings create a sacred space, helping family members feel more peaceful and relaxed.
The offering should be just enough, suitable for the number of family members; it shouldn't be too much, causing excess and waste. A simple offering but with sincere devotion will be appreciated by the gods and ancestors. Nowadays, many families, especially those living in apartments or with limited space, only prepare one offering for the year-end ceremony at home.
Essential items for the year-end ceremony, such as incense and lamps, symbolize the connection between yin and yang. Incense represents the stars, while lamps represent the sun and moon. On the altar, you need to prepare two lamps to create balance and solemnity for the ceremony. These items help the homeowner create a sacred space.
To perform the year-end ancestral worship ceremony, each family prepares a lavish meal to offer to their ancestors.
The five-fruit offering consists of five different types of fruit, each symbolizing the wishes of the homeowner, from wealth and prosperity to peace and safety. The fruits on the offering must be edible, visually appealing, and free from bruises or insect damage.
In Northern Vietnam, the New Year's Eve feast is meticulously prepared, featuring traditional dishes that reflect the rich cultural heritage. Besides the dishes mentioned above, pork sausage, bamboo shoot soup, and pickled vegetables are also common offerings.
The last meal of the year symbolizes bidding farewell to the old year and wishing for good fortune and prosperity in the new year.
The New Year's Eve feast in Central Vietnam is simpler, with typical dishes including pork sausage, chicken, pork, and sticky rice cake. Pickled onions are also an indispensable dish.
Unlike the North and Central regions, the New Year's Eve feast in the South typically features dishes with strong tropical flavors. With its warm climate, the Southern feast is richer and more diverse, including dishes such as bitter melon soup – a dish that is both flavorful and cooling, spring rolls, braised pork with eggs, shrimp and pork salad, and sticky rice cake served with pickled shallots.
Once the offerings are meticulously prepared, with incense burning profusely, the atmosphere becomes solemn and respectful. At this time, the elders of the family will assume the role of chief officiant. Each family member sincerely participates in the ceremony, praying together for a peaceful and happy new year. Children are also guided by their parents to understand the meaning of the offering, helping them to develop gratitude towards their grandparents, ancestors, and deities.
