When the ceremonies are held
This year's offerings to the Kitchen Gods are held by many families from the 18th to before noon (11am-1pm) on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month.
According to ancient customs, the Kitchen Gods are the deities of good fortune, called "Dong Tru Tu Menh Tao Phu Than Quan".
Traditional offerings
In addition to 3 sets of hats, shoes, and carp (live or shaped), a savory offering tray including sticky rice, rice soup, chicken, and fruit is indispensable.
Depending on each region and the conditions of each family, appropriate offerings are chosen.
Modern adjustments
Nowadays, many families replace live carp with carp shaped from dumplings or jelly, sticky rice is also eye-catching, after burning incense, they ask for blessings. Furthermore, this is to avoid killing and releasing electrocuted fish, and littering plastic bags that cause pollution.
Savory dishes
Families offering savory dishes often include traditional dishes such as sticky rice, boiled chicken, pork roll, salads, stir-fried dishes, and soups.
Families with many generations and many members will have more bowls and plates (mountain - water) including 6 bowls, 8 plates, 10 or 12 plates. If there are fewer people, then simplify it to fit and suit.
The significance of red
In particular, red is always preferred with the meaning of bringing good luck. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a neat, luxurious red tablecloth and a long red cloth spread on the ground like a red carpet to send the Kitchen Gods to Heaven.
Sticky Rice with Gac Fruit
Sticky rice with gac fruit is naturally red like the sun, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and a new year full of new beginnings. To make sticky rice with gac fruit have a beautiful color, soft and plump, you need to soak the rice for enough time, choose sticky gac fruit, add rice and gac fruit for at least 1.5 hours, and steam the sticky rice twice.
Boiled Chicken
If you boil the whole chicken, choose a rooster, if you make a feast, cut it into a plate, it is optional. To make delicious boiled chicken, choose chicken from reputable stores, when preparing, remove all the blood, remove the lungs. To boil the chicken without tearing the skin, burning the skin on the bottom, use a thick-bottomed pot or place a ceramic plate underneath. Boiled chicken should be submerged in water, simmering on low heat, depending on the size, big or small, the boiling time is different. If the chicken is of average weight, the skin is crispy, boil for 4-5 minutes, then turn off the stove, cover and simmer the chicken for 30 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the water and cooks slowly, without red bones, without tearing the skin. After boiling the chicken, wash it with clean water, hang it to drain, then arrange on a plate or cut it into a plate. If you want it to be more golden, brush it with a little turmeric fat.
Bamboo Shoot Soup
According to the old way, housewives often use bamboo shoots. Dried bamboo shoots need to be soaked in rice water and boiled thoroughly to remove toxins. To make bamboo shoot soup delicious and flavorful, it needs to be cooked twice (first stir-fried with chicken fat, then cooked with chicken broth or bone broth). Optional ingredients for each family such as pig's feet, beef or ribs are all delicious.
Conclusion
The Kitchen Gods return to heaven to pay respect to the Jade Emperor. Families prepare offerings and ceremonies according to tradition and local customs. Popular dishes include sticky rice, boiled chicken, bamboo shoot soup, spring rolls, and pickled onions. Proper preparation brings good fortune in the new year.