Blog

Cult of the Geniuses of the Hearth

Every year, on December 23 of the lunar calendar, the Vietnamese will organize the feast of the Geniuses of the Hearth (named Tết ông Táo or Táo Quân in Vietnamese)

Meaning of the Geniuses of the Hearth

According to the design of the Vietnamese. Táo Quân is the God who not only governs all activities of the owner, but also prevents the invasion of the ghost, keeps the peace for the host family. This is why the cult of the Geniuses of the Hearth aims to pray for the genius occupying the kitchen.

On this day, the Vietnamese prepare a hearty meal to express their gratitude to the Gods. In addition, it is also a primordial occasion where all the members of the family come together and reunite after a year of hard work.

The offerings placed on the altar of the Genies du Foyer are always abundant. From mid-December, families deposit fruits, flowers, votive papers, three paper garments and three paper or living carps which recall the departure of the spirits towards heaven. After worship, these paper garments are burned and the carp are released into ponds or rivers. The Vietnamese have chosen the carp because it is, for them, the symbol of wealth and prosperity. According to legend, carp transform into dragons when passing between Earth and Heaven. The dragon is the one who calls on the rain to bring a bountiful harvest to the farmers

The worship of the Spirits of the Hearth often takes place in the kitchen where their altar is located. Families who do not have an altar dedicated to Tao Quan, prepare a tray of offerings in the kitchen and add another tray to the altar of the ancestors where the main rituals will be held. After this ceremony, the whole family gathers to eat and discuss preparations for Tet

Legend of the Geniuses of the Hearth

Legend has it that Trong Cao and Thi Nhi got married a long time ago but they had no children and often argued. One day, Trong Cao hit his wife so Thi Nhi left home and moved to another area, after which she met and married Pham Lang.

Trong Cao, overcome with remorse, went in search of his wife. After several days of searching, he had no more money, he had to beg on the way. Chance brought him to the house of Thi Nhi. She recognized her former husband and gave him food and drink. At the same time, Pham Lang returned home while Trong Cao, too tired, slept on the floor, unable to move. To avoid a meeting of the two men, Thi Nhi hid the former husband under the straws of rice.

Unfortunately, in the evening, Pham Lang burned the straws to make fertilizer. Thi Nhi arrived too late to avoid this misfortune and threw herself into the flames. Her current husband, distraught over the loss of his wife, set off in pursuit.

The Emperor of Heaven, moved by their misfortune, made them the Geniuses of the Hearth. The three people are materialized in the three pottery points which constitute the tripod supporting the pot