Phuc Tho district receives national intangible cultural heritage "Tuong Phieu communal house festival"

The procession of the Saint back to Tuong Phieu communal house is held in the years of the Rat, Horse, Rabbit, and Rooster. In the photo: The procession of the Saint took place on the 14th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Rabbit 2023. Photo: Nguyen Mai

Tuong Phieu Temple (also known as Ca Temple), located in Tich Loc commune, Phuc Tho district, was built around 1430 and has undergone several renovations. Tuong Phieu Temple worships four village tutelary deities: the three deities of Tan Vien and Quan Son tutelary deity. The temple possesses significant cultural, historical, and artistic value, and is considered an iconic architectural work of the Doai region. In 2018, Tuong Phieu Temple was honored to be classified and recognized as a Special National Monument by the Government .

Lighting up the Đình Liệu shrine to guide the procession during the procession of the Saint back to Tường Phiêu shrine in the year of the Rabbit 2023. Photo: Nguyễn Mai

Each year, Tuong Phieu communal house holds four festivals, with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month, commemorating the birthday of Tan Vien Son Thanh, being the largest and lasting three days: the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the first lunar month. The night procession of the Saint is particularly sacred and unique. Other festivals at the communal house take place on the 14th day of the 5th lunar month (the day of the Saint's passing), the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (the day of the Saint's enthronement), and the 15th day of the 12th lunar month (the thanksgiving ceremony). According to tradition, in the years of the Rat, Horse, Rabbit, and Rooster, the villagers of Tuong Phieu will hold a procession carrying the Three Saints Tan Vien and the village's tutelary deity from the main communal house to Ngo Son Temple (Ngo Temple).

Lighting dragon torches to guide the procession at the Sacred Procession back to Tuong Phieu communal house in the year of Quy Mao 2023. Photo by Nguyen Mai

A unique feature of the festival is the night procession, stemming from the legend of Saint Tan. During a royal journey to Ngo Son, engrossed in teaching the villagers how to fish and find ways to control the water, he and his entourage returned to the mountain quite late at night. The villagers, reluctant to see him and his entourage off, used dry branches as torches to light the way and to admire the Saint for a longer time.

The annual Tuong Phieu communal house festival is not only an occasion to commemorate the contributions of the saints, but also an opportunity for generations to reflect on and deepen the cultural values of Phuc Tho homeland. The organization and reenactment of the nighttime palanquin procession and the lighting of dragon torches symbolize the unique culture of the Doai region, while also demonstrating the spirit of unity within the community to build a more prosperous and civilized homeland.

Representatives from the Department of Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) present the Certificate of National Intangible Cultural Heritage to representatives of the government and people of Tich Loc commune. Photo: Nguyen Mai

With its unique historical, cultural, social, and community values, the Tuong Phieu communal house traditional festival has been inscribed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phuc Tho District, Nguyen Dinh Son, emphasized that this is not only an honor and source of pride for the Party Committee, government, and people of Phuc Tho District, but also an opportunity to introduce and promote Phuc Tho's culture to people nationwide, and a driving force and intrinsic strength to help Phuc Tho develop and reach even further.

With the desire to preserve, protect, and promote the values of the Tuong Phieu communal house traditional festival, a national intangible cultural heritage, Phuc Tho district will review and implement a comprehensive and detailed planning of the area to restore, renovate, and expand the site, ensuring that the festival space is in harmony with the landscape and environment.

Leaders of Phuc Tho district presented flowers to congratulate the Party Committee, government, and people of Tich Loc commune on receiving the Heritage title. Photo: Nguyen Mai