Housewarming (nhập trạch): the move-in ceremony step by step

Nhập trạch is the move-in ceremony — reporting to the local gods and Land God and welcoming the ancestors to the new home. It is an important rite for a settled, prosperous household.

Choosing the date and hour

• Pick an auspicious day compatible with the owner's age, avoiding clashing and bad days. See Choose a good day.
• Favour an auspicious hour, usually in the morning — check the perpetual calendar.
• Also consider a house direction that suits your age by Bát Trạch — see house directions.

The offering

• Incense, fresh flowers, candles, betel, a five-fruit tray.
• A savoury feast (chicken, sticky rice, wine, meat) or vegetarian.
• Votive paper, plus salt–rice–water.

Order of entering

1. The householder carries the incense bowl and ancestral tablet in first.
2. Others follow, each holding something lucky (rice, salt, money, a lit stove/lamp) — never empty-handed.
3. Turn on lights, open for air, and boil water or cook the first dish to "open the hearth".
4. Set the tray, light incense and pray.

Prayer

Ask the gods and Land God for permission to move in, then welcome the ancestors. See the full move-in prayer.

Notes

• It is good to spend the first night in the new home after the rite.
• Keep a cheerful mood and kind words on moving day.

A folk custom that varies by region — for reference.