TL;DR: Worshipping the God of Wealth on the 10th day of the first lunar month is a popular Vietnamese custom, especially in the South, to pray for a prosperous year. This article provides detailed instructions on cleaning the altar, preparing the offering tray, and the step-by-step ritual you can follow.
What is the origin and meaning of the God of Wealth day?
The 10th day of the first lunar month is considered the birthday (via) of the God of Wealth (Thần Tài) in Vietnamese folk belief. This is a significant day for business owners and traders who pray for a prosperous and lucky year. The custom is especially popular in Southern Vietnam, where Thần Tài is often worshipped together with Ong Dia (the Earth God) on a small altar placed on the floor, facing the main door. Thần Tài is typically depicted as an old man with white hair and a long beard, holding a gold ingot.
This practice reflects a cultural aspiration for wealth and well-being. Customs can vary by region and family, so the following guide offers a common reference, not a strict rule.
Summary table of the steps for the Thần Tài worship ceremony on the 10th day of the first lunar month according to the article.
| Step | Main task | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clean the altar | Use a clean cloth dampened with fragrant water, white wine, or ginger water to wipe the Thần Tài statue, Ong Dia, and the altar |
| 2 | Arrange the worship items and display the offerings | Place the spirit tablet or statue in the center, 2 lamps on both sides, 3 cups of water and 2 cups of wine in front |
| 3 | Choose the worship time | Early morning on the 10th day of the first lunar month, around 7 AM to 11 AM, avoid 12 noon |
| 4 | Light incense and pray | Light 3 or 5 incense sticks, light the lamps, light candles, and read the prayer text |
| 5 | Wait for the incense to burn out and burn the votive paper | Wait about 1 to 1.5 hours, partake of the offerings, and take the votive paper to burn in a safe place |
What offerings do you need to prepare?
Here is a common checklist for the offering tray. Adjust it based on your family's traditions and means.
- Incense, fresh flowers (chrysanthemums or red roses).
- Oil lamps or candles (2).
- Fresh fruits (a five-fruit tray): prefer bright-colored fruits with lucky names like red dragon fruit, watermelon, tangerines.
- Tam sen (a small set of three offerings): a slice of boiled pork, 3 boiled eggs, and 3 boiled shrimp or crab.
- Roasted meat (roasted pork or duck): a common must-have in the South.
- Grilled snakehead fish (optional, common in the Mekong Delta).
- Xoi (sticky rice), sweet soup, or jelly (optional).
- Betel and areca nuts (a small plate).
- Rice and salt (two small bowls).
- Votive paper (gold paper ingots, paper clothes for the deities).
- White wine (2 small cups) and clean water (3 small cups).
- Clean cloth and scented water or white wine for cleaning the altar.
Note: Some families place real gold jewelry on the altar during the ritual for good luck. This is optional.
How do you set up the offering tray?
Step 1: Clean the Altar
Before placing offerings, clean the Thần Tài altar. Use a clean cloth dipped in scented water (clean water mixed with flower petals), white wine, or ginger water to wipe the statues and the altar surface. This symbolizes cleansing away the old year's bad luck.
Step 2: Arrange the Offerings
After cleaning, arrange the altar neatly. Place the statues or spirit tablets in the center, two small lamps on the sides, and the cups of water and wine in front. Then, arrange the food offerings and fruits harmoniously, with the main tray in the center.
Step 3: Choose the Right Time
The best time to perform the ritual is in the morning, ideally between 7 AM and 11 AM, avoiding noon.
Step 4: Light Incense and Pray
Light the incense (usually 3 or 5 sticks) and the lamps, then read the prayer. You can use a traditional Thần Tài prayer or speak your own sincere words.
Step 5: Wait and Burn Votive Paper
Wait for the incense to burn out completely (about 1 to 1.5 hours). After that, you can take down the offerings and burn the votive paper. Always burn votive paper in a safe, fireproof container away from flammable materials, and ensure the fire is completely out before leaving.
What is the prayer to say?
A typical Thần Tài prayer includes: invoking Buddha's name; paying respects to the Heavenly and Earth Gods, the Kitchen God, and the God of Wealth; stating the worshipper's name and address; announcing the date (10th day of the first lunar month); declaring the offerings presented with sincerity; and praying for peace, prosperity, and success in business.
What should you keep in mind when worshiping?
- Rituals can vary by region and family. Consult elders or local cultural guides for adjustments.
- The most important aspect is sincerity, not the lavishness of the offerings.
- Always be careful with fire when burning incense, candles, and votive paper. Keep them away from flammable items and never leave burning materials unattended.
