The significance of the year-end worship ceremony

According to feng shui expert Nguyen Song Ha, the term “tat nien” combines “tat,” meaning to finish, and “nien,” meaning year. This translates to the closing of a year.

The year-end ceremony is a way to formally conclude the past year and welcome the arrival of the new one.

On this day, families gather to prepare a ceremonial tray of offerings featuring traditional dishes.

“The primary purpose of the year-end offering is to express filial piety and gratitude to ancestors and deities,” explained Nguyen Song Ha.

“It is also an opportunity for families to reunite, reflect on the past year, and celebrate the upcoming one.”

Auspicious dates and times for the ceremony

 

Most families conduct the year-end worship ceremony on the last day of the lunar calendar year, which can fall on the 29th or 30th of the twelfth lunar month.

In 2025, the ceremony is traditionally observed on the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, corresponding to January 28, 2025, in the Gregorian calendar.

However, some families may choose to hold the ceremony earlier, on the 25th, 26th, 27th, or 28th of the twelfth lunar month, depending on regional customs and individual schedules.

Feng shui expert Nguyen Song Ha recommends performing the ceremony on one of the final two days of the lunar year. Before starting, it is advisable to complete preparatory rituals such as cleaning the ancestral altar, tidying the prayer area, and refreshing incense holders.

Below are the suggested auspicious dates and times for the year-end worship ceremony, provided by Nguyen Song Ha:

January 25, 2025 (26th of the twelfth lunar month):

Day of the Wood Horse 

Best time slots: 5:00–7:00 AM; 3:00–5:00 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM 

January 26, 2025 (27th of the twelfth lunar month):

Day of the Wood Goat 

Best time slots: 5:00–7:00 AM; 9:00–11:00 AM; 3:00–5:00 PM 

January 27, 2025 (28th of the twelfth lunar month):

Day of the Fire Monkey 

Best time slots: 7:00–9:00 AM; 9:00–11:00 AM; 1:00–3:00 PM 

January 28, 2025 (29th of the twelfth lunar month):

Day of the Fire Rooster

Best time slots: 5:00–7:00 AM; 1:00–3:00 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM 

By adhering to these recommendations, families can ensure their year-end worship ceremony is conducted in harmony with traditional beliefs and cultural values.

Ngoc Lai