(VOVWORLD) - Dia Linh residential group in Hoa Chau ward, Hue city, is now the only place in the former imperial capital that still preserves the traditional craft of making Ong Tao (Kitchen Gods) figurines. In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, artisans work at full capacity to meet seasonal demand.
 Dia Linh residential group in Hoa Chau ward, Hue city, is now the only place in the former imperial capital that still preserves the traditional craft of making Ong Tao (Kitchen Gods) figurines (Photo: VOV) |
The Kitchen Gods figurines craft is tied to the worship of the Kitchen Gods. After the annual farewell ceremony for the Kitchen Gods on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, families in Hue respectfully replace old figurines with new ones on the kitchen altar, and pray for peace, good fortune, and happiness in the coming year.
At Dia Linh, Kitchen Gods figurines are made entirely by hand using traditional methods, which requires patience and skill at every stage, from selecting the right yellow clay, removing impurities, kneading the clay, molding the figurines, then drying, firing, painting, and decorating them. Local resident Le Thi Van says that each household engaged in the craft produces, on average, about 500 figurines a day.
Van said: “If prices remain stable as in previous years, villagers will stick with the craft. The income s modest, but we try to hold on to the job to make a living.”
 (Photo: VOV) |
The figurines are made from yellow clay. The molds, carved from ironwood, depict two male gods and one female god standing side by side. After being pressed in the mold, the clay figurines are removed, sun-dried, and fired in a kiln. The finished products have a natural light-yellow hue, which is painted pink or red and sprinkled with glitter to create a festive look that appeals to buyers.
Craftswoman Vo Thi Hang said: “I want to preserve the traditional craft passed down by our ancestors. The work is hard, but I hope the value of Kitchen Gods figurines will be recognized so artisans will be motivated to stick with the craft for the long run.”
Cultural researcher Tran Dai Vinh says the custom has a deep symbolic meaning: “At the beginning of the year, people place the three Kitchen Gods in a respectful position above the stove, making the worship space bright and solemn. It is a beautiful tradition. Decorating the kitchen properly is about keeping alive the flame of happiness in family life.”
The Kitchen Gods are believed to ride a carp to Heaven on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month to report on the household’s affairs over the past year. On this occasion, each family in Hue prepares a farewell offering, cleans the kitchen altar, and replaces the figurines in hopes for a new year of peace, prosperity, and good fortune.