Exciting performance of Tug of War rituals and games

Ceremony at Tran Vu Temple before the tug of war performance. Photo: Linh Pham.

The event is within the framework of the Thang Long - Hanoi Festival and the 10th anniversary of the Tug of War ritual and game being recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2015-2025).

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary of the Long Bien Ward Party Committee Nguyen Manh Ha said that the program "Exchange and performance of UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage of humanity - Tug of War rituals and games" is a unique cultural event, converging folk traditions, community spirit and international friendship and cooperation.

The organizers presented flowers to localities participating in the performance of the ritual and tug of war game. Photo: Linh Pham.

Mr. Ha also emphasized that cultural heritage, especially intangible cultural heritage, is always an invaluable resource, contributing significantly to the socio -economic development of each locality, each country and each nation. Heritage not only represents tradition and cultural identity but is also the foundation for sustainable development today and tomorrow. This is also a major orientation established by Hanoi city in Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU on the development of cultural industry in the capital for the period 2021-2025, oriented to 2030, vision to 2045, which emphasizes the exploitation of heritage values to create momentum for creative development, cultural tourism and enhance the position of the capital in the region as well as in the world.

In recent times, the work of preserving and promoting the value of Hanoi's intangible cultural heritage has achieved many important results, affirming the deep concern of all levels and sectors; at the same time, demonstrating the practical role of heritage in developing cultural industry, creating a foundation for the stable and sustainable development of the capital.

Sitting tug of war performance (Long Bien ward, Hanoi). Teams are shirtless, sitting on the ground, tug of war with a rope threaded through a wooden pole buried in the ground. Photo: Linh Pham.

After the flag-waving signal, the tug-of-war teams competed, creating an exciting atmosphere that attracted many locals and tourists. Photo: Hoang Lan

In 2015, “Tug of War Rituals and Games” was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Along with the pride of the whole country, this is also a special honor for the Party Committee, government and people of Long Bien ward - where the typical sitting tug of war is preserved at Tran Vu temple.

“With the attention of the City and Long Bien District in the past, the government and people of Long Bien Ward have implemented many effective solutions to preserve and promote heritage values such as: Restoring the tug-of-war ritual in traditional festivals; promoting heritage propaganda and promotion through cultural and communication activities; coordinating research and establishing scientific records; focusing on educating the younger generation; and especially protecting cultural spaces and landscapes of relics associated with heritage such as the Tran Vu Temple complex - Cu Linh Pagoda - Ngoc Tri Communal House”, Mr. Nguyen Manh Ha shared.

The program also features many other forms of tug of war from different localities. Photo: Linh Pham.

For the people of Long Bien, tug of war is not only a folk game but also a sacred religious ritual associated with Duc Thanh Huyen Thien Tran Vu and Duc Thanh Linh Lang Dai Vuong - gods who symbolize the strength, kindness and protection of nature. Every festival season, the cry of "tug of war" is not only the sound of joy but also the echo of the desire to control water, prevent floods, pray for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather and bountiful harvests.

The program “Exchange and performance of Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - Tug-of-War Rituals and Games” is both a heritage performance activity and an open cultural forum to share between regions in the country and promote international cultural connections. This is an opportunity for people and tourists to feel the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture, and at the same time learn valuable experiences in preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage from international friends.

The Tug of War (Phu Tho) took place intensely. Photo: Hoang Lan

The teams had a great time. Photo: Linh Pham.

At the event, the public was immersed in the festival atmosphere with performances of various types of tug of war from localities such as: Sitting tug of war (Long Bien ward, Hanoi); Ngai Khe mine tug of war (Chieu My commune, Hanoi); Hoa Loan tug of war (Vinh Thanh commune, Phu Tho province); Phu Hao land tug of war (Vi Khe ward, Ninh Binh province); Tra Doai village pit rope tug of war (Kien Xuong commune, Hung Yen province); Huong Canh river tug of war, Binh Nguyen commune, Phu Tho province...

In particular, the participation of representatives and members of tug-of-war communities from three countries, Korea, Cambodia and the Philippines, created an atmosphere of international exchange, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation and sharing of experiences in heritage conservation.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/soi-noi-trinh-dien-nghi-le-va-tro-choi-keo-co-723498.html