The full moon of January has several other names such as Thuong Nguyen Festival, Lantern Festival, Nguyen Tich Festival, and Nguyen Tieu Festival, associated with the birth of the solar and lunar calendars.
Some ancient documents show that this festival was born during the Han Dynasty (180-157 BC). Every year on the occasion of the Lantern Festival, the king, mandarins and commoners dressed the same, regardless of their status, to celebrate the festival together. This represents the spirit of equality, the joyful festive atmosphere between heaven and earth, between gods and humans. Solemn but not heavy on material things, not fussy about form.
The tradition of lighting lanterns on the night of the Lantern Festival originated from the Taoist theory of the Three Origins. Taoists believe that the 15th day of the first lunar month is the Shangyuan Festival, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month is the Zhongyuan Festival, and the 15th day of the tenth lunar month is the Xiayuan Festival. The deities in charge of these three festivals are the Heavenly Official, the Earthly Official, and the Water Official. The Heavenly Official is a cheerful person who often bestows blessings on the world, so he is also called the Four Blessings of the Heavenly Official. On the 15th day of the first lunar month - the birthday of the Heavenly Official, people everywhere hang lanterns and flowers, hold ceremonies, congratulate, and pray for blessings.
There is another theory that the custom of lighting lamps on the night of the Lantern Festival appeared during the reign of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty. Emperor Ming of Han was a devout Buddhist. Hearing that on the 15th day of the first lunar month, monks often admired the relics and lit candles to make offerings to the Buddhas, he ordered the entire palace to light lamps all night long to make offerings to the Buddhas. The people followed this tradition of offering sacrifices and praying to Buddha for peace on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
Folklore says, "Worshiping all year round is not as good as the full moon of January." The full moon worshiping ceremony in January probably originated from the Taoist custom of worshipping the Great Emperor Thien Quan. In two typical full moon worshiping ceremonies in January (currently used widely among the people and in pagodas), both clearly state that this day is "Thien Quan tu phuc" (meaning Thien Quan bestows blessings) and praises the virtues and divine power of Thien Quan.
The full moon of January, the year of Giap Thin 2024, falls on Saturday, February 24th of the solar calendar. According to the calendar, it is Mau Ngo day, Binh Dan month, the element is Thien Thuong Hoa, the star Vi, Truc Chap, conflicts with the age of Ty, and faces the North. This day is not suitable for breaking ground, roofing, cooking, sowing seeds, and opening the eyes of magical objects. Good hours include Ty (11-1am), Suu (1-3am), Mao (5-7am), Ngo (11-1pm), Than (3-5pm) and Dau (5-7pm).
The full moon of January, like the full moon and first day of other months, should be worshiped on the right day and there is no need to choose an hour.
As for offerings, families can prepare them according to their own conditions. However, folklore says that Emperor Thien Quan is a cheerful person, has a sweet tooth, and loves candles. Therefore, it is advisable to display and prepare offerings with lots of fruits, sweet cakes (like banh troi, banh chay, banh mat), and light candles.
Regarding rituals, families should decorate their houses and altars solemnly and beautifully. The homeowner should dress neatly and cleanly, preferably in nice clothes. Everyone should maintain a cheerful and friendly attitude, not argue or talk nonsense during the worship time.
The prayer for the Full Moon of January can use the prayer introduced by Venerable Thich Nguyen Tam.
Content:
Respectfully present the ceremony and invite "The First-Grade Purple Emperor of the Four Blessings of the Heavenly Official" to witness. The Heavenly Official's power permeates the three realms, his divine majesty is solemn, his holy eyes shine. The Heavenly Official bestows blessings everywhere, the mortal world looks up to him and prays for his grace and rain.
Today is the occasion of the Lantern Festival, the Celestial Official bestows blessings everywhere, the owner is:..., residing at:... sincerely cleaning the house, preparing flowers, incense, candles, offerings... to present before the altar. Praying for the gods to eliminate past grievances, increase blessings, and for everyone to be safe and happy.
At the same time, we invite the local gods, the local god of the land, the God of the East Kitchen, the local deities, the Five Directions and Five Lands God of Fortune and Virtue, the Five Directions and Five Roads Dragon Vein God of Wealth, and the family's ancestral council:...to witness. Respectfully inform. Enjoy! (Three bows).
Cultural researcher Pham Dinh Hai
According to Vnexpress.net
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