‘Chuye xie zhulan tudi’ 除夜謝豬欄土地 (Thanks offering to the Earth God of the Pigsty on New Year’s Eve), Qishen zouge, 796.
I reckon that animal farming and reproduction rely on the assistance of hidden merits; for the assistance from divine beings, how could one not express sincerity through repaying the (received) favour. At a time when the year comes to an end, we are fortunate to bow and thank the gods. Now I, XX, a worshipper from XX village, together with all family members, have chosen the New Year’s Eve in the last month of XX year to cautiously prepare pure wine and a banquet. We respectfully set them up at the pigsty to humbly extend our invitations to: the Noble God of Blessing and Virtue Who Is the Earth God of this pigsty, the Wife of the Earth God, the Maid Who Picks Pigs, the Divine Lord Who Assists with Wealth from Blood, the Divine Lord Who Expels Evil and Dismisses Plague, the Emissary Who Guards the Pigsty, the Gods of Directions and Taboos, and all other deities. May the gods examine the banquet in incense and enjoy the offerings. In my concerns, I, XX, raise suckling pigs and have been able to obtain peace and safety throughout the year. This is all thanks to the assistance from divine merits and is indeed due to the protection of the gods’ power. On this New Year’s Eve, I especially extend my sincere thanks.
I reckon that with the silent assistance from the gods’ merits, we receive protection on a daily basis; with the hidden support from the divine virtues, we rely on their assistance throughout the year. Regardless of the quality of brans and water, the pigs easily grow plump and fat. If it were not for the gods’ silent assistance, how could we achieve such harmony and peace! With respect and sincerity, we pour wine to offer three libations. We humbly wish that the Earth God will bestow favour and the gods of the pigsty will give protection, so that the wealth from blood will prosper in the new year and relieve us from the labour of oxen and horses; and that the suckling pigs will thrive in the coming year and be free from harm from tigers and wolves. We wish that there will be no noise of restless screaming and jumping during the day and we will have the fortune to sleep in peace during the night. We wish that the pigs will be kept long and will multiply in number, constantly giving us joy by growing big and fat; and that as months and years pass by, there will be no outbreak of disasters or plagues. With caution we pray for the whole year, and we would be extremely fortunate for it. All animal farming relies on the gods’ assistance. May the gods kindly examine and accept the offerings in the fire.
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