Apart from the Tet festival, the Tet Tao Quan is considered one of the most essential festivals in Vietnamese religious beliefs. Celebrated on the 23rd of the last month of the Lunar Year, the celebration is when each family pay respects to the Kitchen gods. Kitchen Gods are believed to be the guardian spirits of the kitchen, blessing each family with good health, joy and prosperity. During this day, each family prepares for a farewell ceremony for the Land Genie and the Kitchen Gods on their yearly return to the Heaven. The Kitchen Gods are said to be composed of two male and one female dieties. There are several legends about the Kitchen Gods and how Tet Tao Quan is celebrated have slightly changed over the generations. Normally, home altars are cleaned and adorned with fresh flowers and fruits. Three votive paper caps are also laid on the alter where the yellow one in the middle is intended to be offered to the lady God while the other two for the male gods.

The women prepares a lot of delicacies such as new harvest steamed sticky rice or plain porridge. Carps are in highest demand during this season since as a tradition, families set free carps to see Ong Tao (the Kitchen God) off to the Heavenly Palace. No matter if Vietnamese people celebrate Tet Tao Quan  the traditional way or adapt to more modern practices, the belief that the fire in the kitchen as a symbol and medium for unity and love of families always remain. This is brought together by the simple yet meaningful act of eating. The custom of worshipping the Kitchen Gods reflects Vietnamese’s respect of family happiness.