Monthly truck blessings have become a familiar spiritual practice for many drivers and transportation business owners in Vietnam. This ritual is not only meant to pray for peace and good luck on every journey but also to express respect and gratitude to their trusted “companion,” the truck. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will provide detailed guidance on offerings, prayers, and important notes for monthly truck blessings.
Why Perform Monthly Truck Blessings?
According to folk beliefs, performing monthly truck blessings is a way to seek blessings and protection from deities, praying for safety for the driver and the vehicle on all roads. This ritual also expresses the desire for prosperous business, smooth cargo transportation, and avoidance of unnecessary accidents and breakdowns. Especially for those in the transportation business, where the truck is the primary means of livelihood, truck blessings hold even greater significance.
Complete Offerings for Monthly Truck Blessings
A typical monthly truck blessing offering tray usually includes:
- A five-fruit tray (choose fresh, delicious fruits)
- Fresh flowers (chrysanthemums, roses…)
- Savory food (boiled chicken, roasted pork…) or vegetarian food depending on preference
- Salt, rice
- Joss paper money
- 3 or 5 cups of wine and tea
- 1 glass of white water
- Candles
- Glasses, plates
- Incense burner
- Bowls, spoons, chopsticks
- Flower vase
Monthly Truck Blessing Prayer – Prayer Script for the 2nd and 16th
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật! (3 times)
Today, the … day of … month, year … (lunar calendar)
My name is …, born on …, residing at …
On the occasion of the beginning of the month, I sincerely prepare offerings to present to the deities, the Earth Deity, the Local Tutelary Goddess, and the wandering spirits around here.
I pray for blessings and protection for my truck with license plate number … to have safe journeys, prosperous business, good luck, and smooth sailing in all endeavors.
I express my gratitude!
Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật! (3 times)
How to Perform Truck Blessings on the 2nd and 16th of Each Month
- Prepare all necessary offerings and items.
- Choose an auspicious day and time for the blessing (the 2nd and 16th of the lunar month).
- Light incense and candles.
- Recite the prayer in front of the truck.
- Bow down and express gratitude to the deities.
- After the incense has burned out, burn the joss paper money and sprinkle salt and rice in the four cardinal directions and eight directions.
Prayer for Monthly Truck Blessing for Peace and Safety
(Similar to the prayer above, some wording can be changed to suit individual circumstances).
Important Notes When Performing Truck Blessings
- It is advisable to check for auspicious days and times to bless the truck.
- Prepare complete and presentable offerings.
- Place the offering tray in front of the truck, facing outwards.
- Wash the truck clean before performing the blessing.
- Drive carefully and obey traffic laws.
Which Day Should You Bless Your Truck, Facing Inwards or Outwards?
Depending on regional customs and traditions, the day for truck blessings may vary. In Northern Vietnam, blessings are often performed on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, while in Southern Vietnam, they are performed on the 2nd and 16th of the lunar month. The offering tray should be placed in front of the truck, with the truck facing outwards. The most important thing is sincerity and driving safely.
