Giao việc bao sái bàn thờ cho người giúp việc có được không? 6 cấm kỵ tuyệt đối tránh kẻo mất lộc

Introduction:

Bao sái bàn thờ is a ritual of cleaning and arranging the ancestral altar and altar for worship. This is an important task to be done before the end of the old year and welcoming the new year. Families often schedule the time to perform bao sái bàn thờ after the 23rd of the Lunar month, when the Kitchen God has returned to heaven.

Who is allowed to perform bao sái bàn thờ?

Bao sái bàn thờ is not just about cleaning the physical objects, but also a significant spiritual ritual for the Vietnamese people, expressing gratitude and respect for their ancestors. In some families, according to tradition, the task of bao sái bàn thờ is carried out by the men and their male grandchildren.

The oldest son in the family is responsible for carrying on the family traditions, familiar with worship rituals, arranging altar offerings, reading prayers, and knowing the names and anniversaries of ancestors. The younger sons are taught the "supporting tasks" such as choosing flowers, arranging floral offerings, and performing bao sái bàn thờ.

Some families, however, are more flexible, allowing any family member who can manage their time and skillfully handle the cleaning and arranging tasks to perform bao sái bàn thờ, without focusing on gender. In fact, many busy families entrust this task to their domestic helpers.

Should the domestic helpers be allowed to clean and arrange the ancestral altar?

Feng shui expert Phùng Hoài Phương (Phung Gia Feng Shui) believes that the custom of bao sái bàn thờ during Tet is a way for descendants to show respect and gratitude to their ancestors. Cleaning and arranging the ancestral altar also carry the meaning of wishing for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Therefore, this important task should be done by the family members themselves in order to demonstrate their sincerity and meticulousness towards their ancestors. Bao sái bàn thờ is also a moment of reflection and connection to the ancestral lineage, and should not be entrusted to outsiders.

6 absolute taboos to avoid when cleaning and arranging the ancestral altar at the end of the year:

1. Avoid wearing untidy and unclean clothes

Feng shui expert Linh Quang (Practical Feng Shui Training) advises that as it is a ceremonial act, both the ancestral altar and the person performing bao sái bàn thờ should be clean. The person performing the task should prepare themselves to be clean, neat, focused, and sincere. When performing bao sái bàn thờ, the family members should dress formally, politely, and avoid wearing clothes that are too short, untidy, or unclean.

2. Avoid having menstruating women or pregnant women perform bao sái bàn thờ

Ancient Feng Shui experts believe that even though many women nowadays participate in bao sái bàn thờ and take care of the ancestral altar, women who are menstruating or pregnant should not perform this task.

3. Avoid moving statues, incense burners, and ritual objects

The process of cleaning the ancestral altar should start from the top to the bottom, trimming the candle wicks, cleaning the incense burners, and rearranging the objects on the altar. It is important to avoid moving the statues or ritual objects too frequently, as it may disturb the energy and connection with the ancestors.

Conclusion:

Bao sái bàn thờ is a meaningful and sacred ritual during Tet, symbolizing respect and gratitude to ancestors. It is advised that this important task should be carried out by family members themselves to show sincerity and meticulousness. There are also certain taboos to avoid during the cleaning and arranging process to ensure the auspiciousness and blessings for the coming year.