Discover the rituals of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in the imperial palace.

SGGPO June 19, 2023 14:45

To honor the nation's cultural traditions and promote the cultural values ​​of the Thang Long imperial court, the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center will organize the program "Thang Long Ancient Dragon Boat Festival" starting from June 21st.

The program includes two main activities: an exhibition and a reenactment of the rituals, along with a dazzling and ancient check-in space. For the first time, the royal court rituals during the Dragon Boat Festival of the Le Dynasty are systematically, vividly, and authentically interpreted through panels and paintings. Particularly noteworthy is the recreation of the solemn and respectful court atmosphere, with the majestic emperor seated on the dragon throne, composing poems on fans, and bestowing fans upon officials.

The Dragon Boat Festival was celebrated solemnly by the imperial dynasties with elaborate court rituals. Traditionally, the festival was also an occasion for officials to receive rewards. Since the Dragon Boat Festival coincided with hot weather, and fans were essential for cooling, the emperor, in addition to banquets, also bestowed fans as gifts.

Fans were bestowed upon princes, civil and military officials, soldiers, servants, eunuchs, and others. This act of granting fans demonstrated special care and concern for the people, with the humanistic meaning of "Blessings, Health, and Peace."

Although a fan is a small object, it has high practical value and embodies a wealth of cultural and historical significance. Therefore, the exhibition space is further enhanced by a collection of fans in the distinctive silk fan style of the Lan Tuyet family. This is a precious, high-end type of fan, often reserved for royalty, officials, and nobility in the past. Creating such a silk fan requires a highly skilled artisan.

At the annual Dragon Boat Festival exhibition, unique customs of the people of ancient Thang Long (Hanoi) such as wearing fragrant pouches, tying five-colored threads, applying realgar to children, picking medicinal leaves at noon, and making animal-shaped amulets are still maintained through the recreation of miniature versions of Hang Quat and Hang Thuoc streets.

The program not only recreates the atmosphere of the Dragon Boat Festival through exquisite, traditional dishes prepared by culinary artist Anh Tuyet; and the fascinating, skillful, and refined secrets of fan-making by artisan Lan Tuyet, but also promises to bring visitors additional spiritual experiences unique to Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/kham-pha-cac-nghi-le-don-tet-doan-ngo-trong-hoang-cung-post694265.html