A shamanic ritual performance by a folk singing troupe at the Festival of Sacred Ritual Performances at Sinh Temple.
This is one of the centers of Vietnamese belief and practice of worshipping the Mother Goddess of the Three Realms, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Heritage of Sinh Temple and Hoa Temple
The Sinh Temple (Mother's Birth Temple) and the Hoa Temple (Holy Transformation Temple) are ancient structures nestled on the slopes of the Ngu Nhac mountain range amidst the vast green hills of a fertile countryside. They are dedicated to Saint Phi Bong, General Chu Phuc Uy (Hao Thien), and the Holy Mother Thach Linh (Hoang Thi Ba). Folklore recounts that these saints have, from ancient times to the present day, blessed the people with health, fertility, favorable weather, and abundant harvests. Therefore, the local people hold them in high esteem, cherishing and protecting these historical sites.
According to the legend on a stele carved at the end of the Nguyen dynasty at Sinh Temple, Phi Bong was General Chu Phuc Uy (who lived in the 6th century) who had the merit of fighting invaders and saving the country, and was worshipped in a temple. He was the son of an elderly, childless, and very kind poor peasant couple, Chu Danh Thuc and Hoang Thi Ba, from An Mo village. During his lifetime, Chu Phuc Uy was a handsome and intelligent boy. When he grew up, he helped King Ly Nam De drive out the Liang army and establish the Van Xuan kingdom (544). Later, with extraordinary strength, Chu Phuc Uy also helped Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan defeat the Yuan Mongol army on the Bach Dang River in 1288.
Over the centuries, the biography of General Phi Bong has been mythologized with many details, adding to its mystical and sacred nature according to Vietnamese beliefs. Through the ups and downs of history, the story and legend of General Phi Bong have been preserved in the people's memory. The historical sites have also been preserved and continuously restored.
According to Nguyen Thi Thuy Lien, Head of the Con Son-Kiep Bac Relic Management Board: “In the dossier submitted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to UNESCO regarding typical centers of the Tam Phu Mother Goddess worship in our country, there is the Sinh Temple - Hoa Temple relic. The practice of the Tam Phu Mother Goddess worship of the Vietnamese people, recognized by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, has become a joy for the whole country in general and a source of pride for the people of An Mo village, Tran Hung Dao ward, Hai Phong city in particular.”
Preserving and promoting the essence of folk culture.
During the fifth and eighth lunar months of each year, the An Mô area comes alive with a festive atmosphere. Besides the common rituals found in other festivals, the Sinh Temple and Hóa Temple Festival also features unique and sacred ceremonies such as the Ceremony of Welcoming the Holy Spirit, the Ceremony of Bestowing Blessings, and the Singing and Performing Competition in honor of the Holy Spirit...
The ceremony of welcoming the sacred image takes place at both temples to commemorate the birth and ascension of the Saint. At the moment of welcoming the sacred image, in a solemn and respectful atmosphere, after the three rounds of drums and gongs cease, an elder respectfully lights incense and recites a prayer welcoming the sacred image (the birth of the Saint); this is followed by the ritual of releasing sky lanterns to bid farewell to the Saint, symbolizing the moment of his ascension to heaven.
Following the sky lantern release ceremony is the ritual of bestowing sacred robes and robes upon the villagers and visitors from all over. According to tradition, those who receive these blessings are considered lucky, blessed with wealth, and protected. The ceremony concludes with a traditional procession and incense offering, expressing the admiration and reverence of the entire community for the merits of the Saint.
The festival at Sinh Temple and Hoa Temple was also very lively with traditional folk games such as wrestling, tug-of-war, human chess, cockfighting; badminton, table tennis, and football competitions... all set against the backdrop of ancient folk songs such as Chau Van singing, Cheo singing, Quan Ho singing, and fashion shows…
Nguyen Phuoc Duyen, a medium from Dong Anh commune ( Hanoi ), shared: “Singing and performing rituals in honor of the deities is a prominent activity at the festival, contributing to the preservation, conservation, and promotion of the values of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Every year, the “Traditional Singing and Performing” competition has become a playground for mediums to showcase their talents and guide this cultural activity towards healthy values of truth, goodness, and beauty, eliminating superstitious elements and purifying the Mother Goddess religion, which is so sacred in the Vietnamese consciousness.”
Currently, many residents of An Mô village know how to sing folk songs, with dozens working as performers at temples and shrines. These singers also travel to many places inside and outside the city to perform at spirit medium rituals and religious ceremonies. Ms. Nguyen Ngan Giang from Hai Duong ward (Hai Phong) enthusiastically stated: “The profound, ancient melodies expressed by the people of An Mô through folk songs and spirit medium rituals not only recount mystical and sacred legends but also preserve and illuminate the essence of folk culture.”
Source: https://nhandan.vn/giu-gin-di-san-den-sinh-den-hoa-post902073.html
Comment (0)