End-of-Year Car Ritual in Vietnam: A Guide to a Thoughtful Ceremony

“January is for fun, February for gambling, March for festivals.” After a long year of traveling on all roads, Tet is a time for everyone to rest, gather with family, and express gratitude to the superiors, deities, and ancestors. Besides cleaning and decorating the house, preparing offerings for the end-of-year car ritual is also an indispensable custom, praying for a peaceful and prosperous new year. So, what should you keep in mind when preparing offerings for the end-of-year car ritual? Let’s find out with Hanoi Truck.

End-of-Year Car Ritual Offerings: Meaning & Preparation

The end-of-year car ritual holds deep spiritual significance for Vietnamese people. It not only expresses gratitude to the deities, especially the God of Roads, who have protected the homeowner throughout the past year, but also a prayer for a safe and peaceful new year.

Mr. Nguyen Van An, a Feng Shui expert in Hanoi, said: “The end-of-year car ritual is not only a ceremony that reflects the beauty of traditional culture but also helps car owners feel more secure when using their vehicles. However, the important thing is that we perform this ritual with sincerity, avoiding ostentation.” (According to the book “Feng Shui for Vehicles” by Nguyen Van An)

The Significance of the End-of-Year Car Ritual

• Expressing Gratitude: The end-of-year car ritual is an occasion for homeowners to express their sincerity and gratitude to the deities, especially the God of Vehicles (Ong Chuan), who have protected and guided the family on all roads throughout the past year.
• Praying for Peace and Luck: Besides its spiritual meaning, preparing offerings for the end-of-year car ritual also signifies praying for a peaceful, lucky, and smooth new year, avoiding unwanted accidents and misfortunes.

What are the Offerings for the End-of-Year Car Ritual?

Depending on the conditions and beliefs of each region, the offerings for the end-of-year car ritual may vary. However, in general, a typical offering tray often includes the following:

1. Savory Offering Tray:

• Boiled Chicken (or Duck): Choose a large, healthy rooster or drake, boiled and beautifully arranged on a plate.
• Sticky Rice with Gac Fruit (or Mung Bean Sticky Rice): Choose bright red sticky rice with gac fruit, symbolizing luck.
• Glass Noodle Soup (or Bamboo Shoot Soup): Cook savory soup with glass noodles or bamboo shoots, representing abundance and prosperity.
• Wine, Water, Tea, Cigarettes, Fruits, Votive Paper,…

2. Vegetarian Offering Tray:

• Incense, Fresh Flowers, Fruits, Tea, Sticky Rice, Sweets,…
• Choose bright-colored fresh flowers such as chrysanthemums or marigolds, symbolizing luck and fortune.

A traditional Vietnamese offering for the end of year car ritual

Notes on Preparing Offerings for the End-of-Year Car Ritual

• Offerings should be prepared thoughtfully and cleanly, demonstrating the homeowner’s sincerity.
• Offerings should be purchased from reputable and quality sources.
• Avoid using fake or old items for offerings.

End-of-Year Car Ritual Prayer

After preparing the offerings, the homeowner should dress neatly, light incense, and recite the end-of-year car ritual prayer. The prayer content can be found online or from ritual specialists.

A prayer script for the end of year car ritual

Frequently Asked Questions about the End-of-Year Car Ritual Offerings

1. When is the best day to perform the end-of-year car ritual?

Homeowners can choose an even-numbered day, an auspicious day in the last lunar month (December), or the 30th of Tet to perform the end-of-year car ritual.

2. Is it mandatory to perform the end-of-year car ritual?

The end-of-year car ritual is not mandatory, but it is a beautiful traditional cultural practice of the Vietnamese people. If possible, homeowners should perform this ritual to pray for a peaceful and lucky new year.

3. Where can I buy offerings for the end-of-year car ritual in Hanoi?

You can find offerings for the end-of-year car ritual at traditional markets such as Dong Xuan Market, Hom Market, Hang Be Market,… or large supermarkets in Hanoi.

Conclusion

Preparing offerings for the end-of-year car ritual is an important custom, reflecting the beautiful traditional culture of Vietnamese people. Hopefully, the above sharing from Hanoi Truck will help you better understand the meaning and how to prepare the offerings for the end-of-year car ritual thoughtfully and completely.

For more information about Hanoi Truck’s services such as end-of-year car ritual, Dung Lac Auto Company, car plastic painting,… please visit our website xetaihanoi.edu.vn or contact our hotline for the best advice and support.