Celebrating the Kitchen Gods’ Departure
With the Lunar New Year, known as Tet, drawing near, Vietnamese families partake in the tradition of honoring the Kitchen Gods (Ông Công Ông Táo). This ritual involves bidding farewell to these deities as they journey to the heavens to present the year’s happenings to the Jade Emperor.
Taking place on the 23rd day of the last lunar month, this custom includes preparing a lavish feast, where a carp serves as the sacred vessel for the Kitchen Gods’ trip.
In 2025, the ceremonial farewell to the Kitchen Gods occurs on Wednesday, January 22. For those unable to perform the ceremony on that particular day, offerings can be made from January 18 to January 22, adhering to the lunar calendar.
Choosing the Right Time
Nguyen Song Ha, a feng shui expert, stresses the significance of selecting an auspicious date and time for this tradition, as it is believed to affect family fortune and health throughout the year.
The following are the favorable dates and times for the Kitchen Gods ceremony in 2025:
- January 18 (19th lunar day): Perform the ritual between 7:10 AM and 8:50 AM. Ideal for those born in the years of the Rat, Horse, Rabbit, Rooster, Tiger, Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Goat.
- January 19 (20th lunar day): Conduct the ceremony from 5:10 AM to 6:50 AM. Beneficial for individuals born in the years of the Tiger, Monkey, Snake, Pig, Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Goat.
- January 20 (21st lunar day): Ritual should take place between 7:10 AM and 8:50 AM. Suitable for those born in the years of the Rat, Horse, Rabbit, Rooster, Tiger, Monkey, Snake, and Pig.
- January 21 (22nd lunar day): Best times for the ceremony are from 7:10 AM to 8:50 AM. Auspicious for individuals born in the years of the Rat, Horse, Rabbit, Rooster, Pig, Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Goat.
- January 22 (23rd lunar day): Conduct the ritual between 5:10 AM and 6:50 AM. This timing is ideal for those born in the years of the Tiger, Monkey, Snake, Pig, Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Goat.
Following the Kitchen Gods ceremony, families usually clean, adorn their homes, prepare celebratory dishes, and gather to joyfully welcome the Lunar New Year.