Cao Tho is an ancient village, covering an area of nearly 1 square kilometer and with a population of over 3,000 people (the largest in the commune). According to historical records and royal decrees, during the Ly Dynasty, a family in the village had three handsome and talented sons, excelling in both literature and martial arts. At that time, when the Champa army invaded Dai Viet, the three young brothers volunteered to fight the invaders.
After defeating the Champa invaders, they returned to their hometown to live, helping the people with farming and building villages, before passing away there. To commemorate the great contributions of the three generals to the country, the king bestowed upon them the title of "Upper-Class Deity," and the local people honored them as the village's guardian deities, worshipped at Cao Tho communal house.
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Rituals and ceremonies in Cao Thọ village communal house. |
Traditionally, every five years, the village holds a grand festival at Cao Tho communal house to worship the village's guardian deities, praying for blessings, prosperity, wealth, and peace for the nation. The first day (January 12th) is the procession of the three guardian deities from the three shrines to the communal house for worship. On January 14th, the procession returns the three deities to their respective shrines. The procession is conducted solemnly, with villagers dressed in formal attire. Many villagers and visitors from all over gather along the roadside to watch and participate in the procession, creating a joyful atmosphere for the festival.
Mr. Lai Dinh Te, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cao Duc commune, Head of the Relic Management Board, and Head of the Organizing Committee of the traditional Cao Tho village festival, said: "To ensure the festival is held solemnly, the local leadership, the elders in the ceremonial committee, and the people have done a good job of preparation, fully performing the rituals in the ceremonial part and enriching the activities in the festive part."
The traditional festival of Cao Tho village attracts a large number of local people, including those working far from home and tourists from all over. Mr. Nguyen Khac Bay, a native of the village, shared: "Every time the locality organizes a festival, I invite friends and relatives to come and participate in the rituals and traditional festivities that have been passed down for generations."
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The procession of the three tutelary deities of Cao Thọ village. |
During the traditional festival, many folk games and unique cultural exchange programs are organized, attracting everyone to participate. The Cao Tho village traditional festival showcases the cultural beauty of the Kinh Bac region, allowing people to express their respect and gratitude to their ancestors who contributed to the country, and to pray for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest. It is also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about the tradition of "drinking water, remembering the source," encouraging all levels of society to work hard, study, and contribute to building a prosperous and beautiful homeland, and strengthening the bonds and solidarity within the community.
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/lang-cao-tho-vao-hoi-xuan-1027800
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