Every year on the 23rd of December, families across Vietnam engage in the traditional ritual of "Cung Ong Tao" to bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods. But have you ever wondered about the meaning behind this ritual or the origin of Ong Cong Ong Tao? Today, let's join BAIT in tracing the roots of "Tao Quan"!
The legend of Ong Cong Ong Tao, a touching story about marital love, originated in China and was later adapted into Vietnamese folklore, shaping the familiar and concise name "Ong Tao."
The tale tells of Trong Cao, who had a close and affectionate life with his wife, Thi Nhi. Despite their happiness, the couple faced sadness as they were childless, leading to conflicts over time.
One day, a trivial argument led Trong Cao to angrily strike Thi Nhi, prompting her to leave. She traveled to a distant land and found a new love, Pham Lang. Meanwhile, Trong Cao, regretful and heartbroken, embarked on a journey to find his wife, enduring hardships along the way.
One fateful day, Trong Cao ended up begging for food at Thi Nhi's new residence. Recognizing her ex-husband and seizing the opportunity while Pham Lang was away, Thi Nhi invited Trong Cao for a meal. During their conversation, Thi Nhi felt remorse for choosing Pham Lang over Trong Cao.
Unfortunately, when Pham Lang returned, fearing misunderstanding, Thi Nhi hid Trong Cao in a pile of straw outside. Unintentionally, Lang set fire to the straw for fertilizer the next day, unaware that Trong Cao was hidden within. Panicking at the flames, Thi Nhi rushed to save him, and out of love, Pham Lang also jumped in to accompany his wife.
The spirits of the three were then presented before the Jade Emperor. Touched by their compassionate lives, the divine beings granted them roles as Kitchen Gods – Trong Cao as Tho Dia (Earth Deity), Pham Lang as Tho Cong (Kitchen Deity), and Thi Nhi as Tho Ky, representing the House, Land, and Kitchen deities in the folk tale "two husbands - one wife" passed down in Vietnamese culture. The tradition of "Cung Ong Tao" has evolved from this narrative.
Ancestor worship believes that on the 23rd of December, the three Kitchen Gods ascend to report to the Jade Emperor about the good and bad deeds of family members throughout the year. Therefore, families prepare offerings such as carp and set up a festive meal to express gratitude to the Kitchen Gods. After the ritual, releasing carp into ponds symbolizes humanitarian and compassionate spirit, a practice embedded in Vietnamese culture.
The Day of Ong Cong Ong Tao has entered the subconscious of the Vietnamese people, marking the approach of the Lunar New Year and providing an occasion for family reunions. After all, Tet is a time for family and togetherness.
As Tet Nguyen Dan approaches, let's bid farewell to Ong Tao with solemnity, clean our homes in preparation for the new year, and welcome the grand celebration of the Year of the Dragon!
Content: Trung Kien
Design: Kien Tuong
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Ha Bang - Media Collaborator, University of Information Technology
Nhat Hien - Translation Collaborator, University of Information Technology
