Thanksgiving to the Year's Guardian, also known as "Returning to the Year's Guardian," is an important Taoist ritual at the end of the year to express gratitude for the guardian's protection throughout the year. It complements the "Worshipping the Year's Guardian" at the beginning of the year, forming a complete system of prayer and thanksgiving. This article systematically explains the proper methods for the Thanksgiving ritual in the Year Yisi (2025) from three aspects: cultural meaning, timing, and preparations.

I. The Cultural Meaning of Thanksgiving to the Year's Guardian: Gratitude and Fulfillment

• A Solemn Ritual of Human-Divine Communication: It is not just a custom but an expression of gratitude to the Year's Guardian (General Wu Sui for the Year Yisi) and one's Birth Year Star for their protection over the year.

• Analogous to Making and Fulfilling a Vow: Worshipping the Guardian at the year's start is like making a vow, praying for peace and smoothness; giving thanks at the year's end is like fulfilling that vow, expressing gratitude for the divine blessing.

• Embodies the Traditional Spirit of Gratitude: This tradition reflects the Chinese virtue of "feeling grateful and seeking to repay kindness." It is also the solemn fulfillment of a personal commitment to the deities.

II. The Appropriate Time for Thanksgiving to the Year's Guardian

• Traditional Time Frame: Generally, it should be performed after the Winter Solstice and before the Beginning of Spring, completing the ritual cycle of the year.

III. Preparations for Thanksgiving to the Year's Guardian

• Suggested Offerings: Bring clean offerings such as fresh flowers, fruits, oil, rice, etc., to show sincerity.

• Important Token: Be sure to bring the "Talisman Protection Pouch" received during the Worshipping ritual at the beginning of the year. It will be incinerated during the ceremony, symbolizing the completion of the return

• Handling Lost Talismans: If the talisman is lost, there is no need to obtain a replacement. Sincerely paying respects at the temple is sufficient.
  

Thanksgiving to the Year's Guardian is not merely a ritual but an internal reckoning and an expression of gratitude. Through this year-end thanksgiving, we not only complete fulfill our yearly divine contract but also plant seeds of goodwill for peace in the coming year.