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What day is Mr. Cong Apple? Origin and Meaning

Traditional Tet Day is not only a time for family reunion but also an opportunity to honor sacred cultural values, of which the custom of Mr. Cong Cong Apple is one of them. From Vietnam - the origin of the rituals of sending Ta Quan to heaven, to other countries such as China, Japan or Korea, this custom has unique nuances and rich in spiritual meaning. 

In this article, we will take you to explore the unique cultural features, interesting stories, and prominent places associated with this custom. Don't forget to pocket a few useful travel tips to make your cultural experience journey more complete and memorable!

Who is Mr. Cong Cong Apple?

Mr. Cong and Mr. Apple are gods in Vietnamese folk beliefs, associated with legendary stories imbued with spiritual and cultural elements. According to beliefs, Mr. Cong is the god of protecting the land, and Mr. Apple (also known as Apple Quan) is the god of the kitchen, governing the affairs of the family, helping everything go smoothly, especially the kitchen and fire. Every year on December 23, the Vietnamese family will send Mr. Cong and Mr. Apple to heaven to report on the situation in the house and pray for a peaceful and lucky new year.

General introduction to the custom of Ong Cong Ong Tao on Tet

The custom of Ong Cong Ong Tao on Tet is one of the unique traditional cultural features of the Vietnamese people, with sacred and profound meanings. According to folk beliefs, Ong Cong Ong Tao are the gods who govern the kitchen, protecting the prosperity and happiness of each family. Every year, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, families hold a ceremony to send Tao Quan to heaven, reporting the good things of the past year and praying for a peaceful and lucky new year. The special feature of this ceremony is the release of carp - the means for Tao Quan to go to heaven, showing the connection between humans and nature. Over time, the custom of Ong Cong Ong Tao is not only a spiritual ritual but also an occasion for each family to reunite, clean the house, and prepare to welcome Tet with all respect and love.

The meaning of the Ong Cong Ong Tao custom in spiritual and cultural life

The custom of sending Ong Tao to heaven is not only a traditional ritual but also has profound meaning in the spiritual and cultural life of Vietnamese people. Tao Quan are considered the guardian gods of the family, keeping the hearth warm, symbolizing abundance, harmony and happiness.

The ceremony of sending the Kitchen Gods to heaven on the 23rd of December not only shows gratitude to the gods but is also an opportunity for people to look back on the past year, from the good things to the valuable lessons. The image of a carp jumping over the dragon gate, helping the Kitchen Gods to heaven, also contains a message of rising up, hope and faith in the future. Besides its spiritual significance, this custom also contributes to preserving the national cultural identity, an opportunity for generations in the family to gather, share and prepare to welcome the new year in a warm, sacred atmosphere.