Prepare a tray of offerings to the Kitchen Gods to have a year of warmth, prosperity and abundance.

Offering tray for Kitchen God in December. Photo: Kieu Anh

According to Vietnamese belief, Tao Quan is not only the god who governs all activities of the homeowner but also the god who prevents the invasion of demons and keeps peace for the homeowner's family.

Therefore, the custom of worshiping the Kitchen God means praying for prosperity and abundance.

On this day, people prepare a meal to express their gratitude to the gods. At the same time, this is also an occasion for family members to reunite after a year of hard work.

In the offering tray, Vietnamese people often prepare carp (about 2-3 fish) in a basin of water.

After the worship, people will release the fish into rivers and lakes. Preparing the carp means preparing a vehicle for the Kitchen God to ride to heaven.

In addition, there is also the implication of "fish jumping over the Dragon Gate" or "carp transforming into a dragon". Carp symbolizes sublimation, the spirit of overcoming difficulties, perseverance and endurance to achieve success.

Depending on each family's conditions, there are different preparations for a decent or simple meal, but all are made with the same sincerity.

In addition to the usual salty dishes, many families make vegetarian dishes to burn incense on this occasion.

A tray of food to worship the Kitchen Gods. Photo: Kieu Anh

The offering tray usually has 5-7 dishes, from stir-fried dishes, salty dishes, boiled dishes or soup. To make the tray both delicious and beautiful, you should choose fresh, green foods with harmonious colors.

In addition to preparing rice offerings and carp, you should prepare votive paper clothes. When the incense has burned out and the rice is put down, you will burn the votive paper clothes.

To save preparation time, you should order sticky rice and boiled chicken in advance.

You should buy offerings for the Kitchen Gods' Day 5-7 days in advance to avoid crowds and have reasonable prices.

To add to the atmosphere of the New Year, you can buy peach blossoms, lilies... to display.

Offering tray for Kitchen God in December. Photo: Kieu Anh

Ms. Kieu Anh (Cau Giay district) shared with reporters: "Every year, I prepare a different offering tray for the Kitchen Gods. When I have a lot of time, I prepare a lot, when I have less time, I prepare it simply but it must be complete and neat.

The price of food these days does not fluctuate much. Because the offerings are all common dishes. Because I have been making offerings to the Kitchen God for many years, I do not feel any pressure."