The unique features of the An Xa Temple festival.

Nestled in the culturally rich countryside of Hung Yen province, the traditional An Xa Temple Festival, also known as the Dau An Temple Festival, has long been one of the most representative folk festivals, deeply rooted in the spiritual culture of the Northern Delta region. Annually, the festival is held from the 1st to the 12th of April in the lunar calendar (with the 6th, 7th, and 8th being the main days) in Hoang Hoa Tham commune, attracting a large number of locals and visitors from all over.

An Xa Temple is a place of worship for the Jade Emperor, the Five Immortal Elders, and other celestial and earthly deities – gods who, according to legend, helped the people reclaim land, exterminate tigers, protect crops, and bring peace to the local inhabitants. These legends, linked to the conquest of nature and the protection of the community, contribute to the cultural depth and unique humanistic values ​​of the festival.

Not only is An Xa Temple renowned for its spiritual significance, but it is also known as a historical site preserving many rare and valuable artifacts with unique historical and artistic value. Two prime examples are national treasures: a terracotta incense burner and a terracotta pagoda, both featuring exquisite craftsmanship that reflects the refined aesthetic sense and exceptional skills of ancient artisans.

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The unique feature that makes the An Xá Temple Festival special is its system of rituals and folk performances steeped in legend. The ceremonial part is organized solemnly with traditional rituals such as incense offerings, sacrifices, and processions… especially the procession of the Jade Emperor and the Heavenly Immortals, Earthly Immortals, and the Five Elder Immortals – a rare feature not seen in other festivals in the region. During the festival days, local people weave bamboo figures of the Heavenly Immortals and Earthly Immortals, nearly 5 meters high, to carry around the village, expressing their reverence for the deities who have protected the villagers, and simultaneously conveying their hopes for national peace and prosperity, and favorable weather.

Most unique of all is the "tiger-hunting" performance on the afternoon of the 8th day of the 4th lunar month. The performance reenacts the legend of a poor mother and child, along with King Lu Quoc Dai Vuong and three strongmen sent down by the Jade Emperor to kill a ferocious tiger and save the people. The atmosphere of this folk theater, both sacred and vibrant, vividly portrays the aspirations of ancient agricultural communities to conquer nature and protect their peaceful lives.

The festival concludes on the night of the 12th day of the 4th lunar month with a mystical ritual of extinguishing the candles. All the candles in the temple and surrounding area are extinguished amidst the sounds of frogs croaking, creating a sacred, mystical atmosphere rich in folk beliefs. This ritual not only holds spiritual significance but also reflects the close connection between the lives of the people in the Northern Delta region and nature.

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With its unique historical, religious, architectural, and folk performance values, An Xa Temple is not only a precious cultural heritage of the people of Hung Yen but also an attractive destination for tourists who love to explore traditional culture. It is also a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of folk festivals in community life today, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of national cultural identity through generations.

Source: https://hungyentourism.com.vn/dac-sac-le-hoi-den-an-xa-c21991.html