Vietnamese Car Blessing Ceremony: Meaning and Rituals

Mr. Ba, a seasoned truck driver in Hanoi, recently purchased a brand new Dongfeng Hoang Hue truck. His joy was evident as he received a lucky license plate from the dealership on Nguyen Van Linh Street, Long Bien District. He believes that the auspicious plate number, combined with a proper car blessing ceremony, will bring him good luck and prosperity on every journey.

So, what is a Vietnamese car blessing ceremony? And why is it so important to Mr. Ba?

What is a Vietnamese Car Blessing Ceremony?

A Vietnamese car blessing ceremony, also known as “lễ ra biển” (literally “ceremony to launch the car to the sea”), is a traditional Vietnamese ritual performed when someone buys a new car. In the folk belief, this ceremony “informs” the deities and ancestors about the new vehicle, seeking their protection and blessings for safe travels.

The Significance of the Car Blessing Ceremony

According to feng shui, every car carries its own energy. The blessing ceremony helps activate positive energy, ward off negative influences, and bring good luck and prosperity to the owner.

Moreover, the ceremony demonstrates the owner’s respect and gratitude towards the deities and ancestors. It also provides an opportunity to share joy and receive well wishes from family and friends.

Steps in the Car Blessing Ceremony

The car blessing ceremony is usually a simple ritual performed at home or at the dealership. It generally includes the following steps:

1. Preparing the Offering Tray: This includes fruits, sweets, betel nuts and leaves, wine, water, and joss paper.
2. Reciting Prayers: A prayer is read to inform the deities and ancestors about the new car and to ask for their blessings and protection.
3. Burning Incense and Praying: The owner sincerely prays for good fortune and safe travels.
4. Pouring Wine and Burning Joss Paper: These actions symbolize offerings to the spirits.
5. Taking a Short Drive: After the ceremony, the owner may take the car for a short drive to symbolize a blessed journey.

Traditional Vietnamese car blessing ceremony