Carrying offerings up to the temple.

During the third lunar month, streams of people from all over the country flock to the Hung Temple historical site ( Phu Tho province ) to offer incense and commemorate the Hung Kings. Amidst the sacred and bustling atmosphere, glimpses of people carrying offerings to the temples can be seen. These are the people who work as hired carriers of offerings – a quiet but indispensable job during every festival season.

We met Mrs. Vui just as she had finished her first offering of the day. Small in stature, with sun-tanned skin and bare feet calloused from countless climbs uphill, she rested at the Upper Temple, sighing softly and giving a gentle smile. In the plastic bag she carried, her worn-out rubber sandals were neatly tucked away, making room for her feet to firmly grip the ground, each step supporting the heavy load of offerings weighing dozens of kilograms.

"During festivals, I have to take advantage of the opportunity to work. Each trip earns me 100,000 dong. Some days, when there are many people, I can carry loads a dozen times. It's tiring, but I'm happy because I earn a little extra money to support my children," Mrs. Vui confided, her eyes shining with contentment.

After her husband passed away prematurely, Mrs. Vui single-handedly raised her three daughters. Two of them have married and moved away for work, while the third, unfortunately, is ill and currently lives with her in their small, simple house.

At the Hung Temple historical site, the group of people like Mrs. Vui who carry offerings for hire currently numbers around 20, mostly middle-aged and elderly women and men from surrounding villages. Each festival season, they register their service businesses with the Management Board of the historical site. Some sell goods, some carry offerings, some write prayers – all serving pilgrims.

At the Hung Temple historical site, the group of people hired to carry offerings currently consists of about 20 people, mainly middle-aged and elderly women and men from surrounding communes.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thuan prepares offerings for guests before carrying them up to the temple.

"Some offerings weigh up to 60kg, and I have to carry them through all four temples: the Lower, Middle, Upper, and Well temples. Each time, I have to walk and climb hundreds of stone steps. But I'm used to it; I just hope the customers are satisfied and pay me fairly," Mrs. Vui shared.

"I just hope I have enough health to continue carrying out the burden for a few more festival seasons," she whispered, bending down to neatly arrange the offerings on the tray, continuing her next trip of the day, her steps as steady as her unwavering love for life.

Beyond their livelihood, the profession of carrying offerings at Hung Temple also embodies a beautiful traditional culture. They are an invisible thread connecting daily life and sacred spirituality. Thanks to them, the offerings are brought to the right place and according to proper rituals; thanks to them, visitors from afar, especially the elderly and those carrying many offerings, receive thoughtful and convenient assistance on their journey to their ancestral roots.

Amidst the bustling crowds attending the festival, few notice the steadfast steps of the procession bearers – those who contribute to making the festival a safe and fulfilling experience.

Bao Nhu

Source: https://baophutho.vn/ganh-le-len-den-230746.htm