The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is not just a time of transition between the old and new year, but also an occasion for descendants to express their reverence and gratitude towards ancestors and deities. Tet worship rituals hold profound spiritual significance, acting as an invisible thread connecting generations. However, not everyone is familiar with the proper rules and often unintentionally makes mistakes that can affect the solemnity and meaning of the worship. This article will point out common mistakes made during Tet worship to help you and your family have a complete, peaceful, and fortunate start to the new year.

Why is it necessary to worship correctly during Tet?

Tet worship is a beautiful traditional cultural feature of the Vietnamese people, embodying the moral principle of "When drinking water, remember the source." It is an occasion for family reunions, to remember one's roots and ancestors. A well-prepared offering tray and a solemn ceremony not only show the sincerity of the descendants but also represent prayers for a new year of peace, prosperity, and family harmony. Performing the rituals correctly helps maintain the sanctity of the worship space, avoids committing taboos, and thereby brings peace of mind and confidence to step into a new year full of good hopes. Preserving these traditional values for future generations, even until Tet 2038 and beyond, is the responsibility of each of us.

What are common mistakes when preparing the Tet offering tray?

The offering tray is the centerpiece of the ritual, so its preparation requires great care. Below are common mistakes that families should avoid:

• Using artificial flowers and fruits: Many people think artificial items are more beautiful and durable, but in worship, sincerity is paramount. Fresh flowers and fruits carry life force, positive energy, and express the true reverence of the host. Artificial items lack vitality and are considered disrespectful to deities and ancestors.
• Choosing the wrong types of fruit for the five-fruit tray: The five-fruit tray often symbolizes the wish for a full and prosperous year. However, fruits with sharp thorns (like jackfruit, durian) should be avoided as they represent obstacles and hardships; spicy or bitter fruits, or those that have sprouted roots or buds, are also inappropriate.
• Placing offerings directly on the floor or in unclean places: The altar is a sacred place. Offerings must be placed on a clean, respectful table or plate. The New Year's Eve offering tray should never be placed directly on the ground; it must be on a table or at least a new, clean mat.
• Not cleaning the altar before worship: Before Tet, cleaning the altar is an important ritual. A dusty, messy altar shows a lack of care and disrespect from the descendants. One should use clean water, fragrant water (like ginger water or pomelo leaf water), and a separate clean cloth for cleaning.
• Using leftover food, ready-made meals, or canned goods: Offerings must be fresh and prepared specifically for the ritual with all sincerity. Offering leftover food or convenient canned/fast food is seen as perfunctory and disrespectful. The host's heart is shown through the effort of preparing the feast by hand.

What should be avoided during New Year's Eve worship?

New Year's Eve is the most sacred moment, when heaven and earth converge and deities and ancestors return. During the ceremony, the host must maintain a solemn atmosphere and avoid the following:

• Arguing, speaking loudly, or using profanity: The family atmosphere on New Year's Eve can affect the entire year. Speaking loudly, arguing, or cursing during worship is a serious offense to the deities and ancestors, likely to bring bad luck to the family.
• Letting pets near the altar area: Dogs, cats, and other pets are considered unclean and are not allowed to approach, climb on, or disrupt the worship area, especially during the ceremony.
• The officiant being improperly dressed: The person leading the prayer must be an elder in the family, who has bathed and is dressed in neat, respectful clothing. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, revealing or sloppy attire when standing before the altar.

How to burn incense correctly during Tet?

The incense stick is the spiritual bridge between the earthly world and the sacred realm. Burning incense also requires following certain rules:

• Do not burn an even number of incense sticks: According to Feng Shui beliefs, odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) carry yang energy, symbolizing growth and luck. Even numbers carry yin energy and are not suitable for worship. Typically, people burn 3 sticks (representing Heaven - Earth - Humanity) or 1 stick (representing sincere devotion).
• Do not let incense extinguish midway: The ancients believed that if incense goes out during a ceremony, it is an unlucky omen. Therefore, choose good quality incense that burns evenly and avoid windy spots during the ritual.
• Be careful with incense ash: Avoid letting ash fall randomly onto the offerings or other items. The incense burner must be kept clean and tidy.

Can we eat the offerings immediately after worship?

This is a question many people have. After being offered to ancestors and deities, the food is called "lộc" (blessings). The family eating the offerings together (thụ lộc - receiving blessings) symbolizes receiving good fortune and protection for the new year. However, one should not take down and eat the offerings immediately. It is necessary to wait until the incense has burned about two-thirds of the way through before performing the concluding rites and clearing the altar. This act shows respect, allowing the ancestors and deities enough time to 'witness' and 'partake' in the offerings.

Do prayers need to follow ancient prayer texts?

Traditional prayer texts provide valuable guidance, helping the ceremony proceed solemnly and in the correct order. However, the most important thing in a prayer is sincerity. A heartfelt prayer, though simple and rustic, is more valuable than reciting a long text without understanding its meaning. You can refer to prayer texts to know the sequence (who to pray to first, how to present the offerings...) but should express your own and your family's wishes. Careful preparation for each Tet, whether it's the upcoming Year of the Fire Horse 2026 or any other year, is the way to show the deepest reverence.

In conclusion, Tet worship is a significant ritual that expresses filial piety and hopes for a better future. By avoiding the mistakes mentioned above and performing the ceremonies with all solemnity and sincerity, you not only preserve the beautiful culture of the nation but also bring peace and luck to your family throughout the year. Wishing you and your family a prosperous and peaceful new year!