Who are Ong Cong Ong Tao?
Ong Cong Ong Tao is the folk term for three deities who oversee the kitchen and all household affairs: two Mr. Cong and one Mrs. Tao (or two Mrs. Tao and one Mr. Tao depending on interpretation). They are believed to record the good and bad deeds of the household throughout the year, and on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month they return to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor. Because they are associated with the kitchen space, they are also called Tao Quan, Than Bep, or Kitchen God.
Origin and meaning
The custom of worshipping the Kitchen God originates from the ancient worship of fire and the kitchen deity, blended with Daoist concepts of the Jade Emperor and governing deities. In folk belief, the kitchen is the center of the family, where fire is kept and people are nourished, so the deity guarding the kitchen also guards the lifestyle and morality of the whole family. The ceremony of sending the Kitchen God to heaven on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is one of the most important rituals in the Tet holiday, marking the end of a year and preparation for the new year.
How to worship Ong Cong Ong Tao
The ceremony is usually performed before 12 noon on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month. Offerings include incense, lamps, betel and areca, fruits, votive paper, paper hats and robes for the Kitchen Gods, along with a savory or vegetarian tray depending on the family. Carp is a special offering, symbolizing the vehicle to carry the deities to heaven; after the ceremony, the carp is often released into ponds, lakes, or rivers. Votive paper and paper hats and robes are burned after the ritual. The ceremony is conducted solemnly, praying that the deities report good things and bless the family with peace and prosperity in the new year.
Distinction from easily confused terms
Ong Cong Ong Tao is not identical to Tho Cong (Earth God) or Than Tai (God of Wealth), although in some families these deities are worshipped together on the same altar. Tho Cong governs land and the house; Than Tai brings money; while Tao Quan specifically oversees the kitchen and household affairs. However, because they all belong to the group of household deities, they are often worshipped in the same space, leading to the common combined naming.
Regional differences
The custom of worshipping Ong Cong Ong Tao varies clearly among the three regions. The North often worships early, emphasizing the carp release ritual. The Central region worships on the exact day, with elaborate offerings including paper horses and the custom of replacing the Kitchen God statue. The South is simpler, usually offering a savory tray with carp or snakehead fish. These differences reflect the cultural diversity of regions within the same shared worship.
The above content belongs to traditional knowledge for reference, not scientifically verified.