Recreating traditional court games enlivens the heritage space of Hue during the early spring season.

VOV.VN - In the early days of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, the area behind the Thai Hoa Palace (part of the Hue Imperial Citadel) was bustling and vibrant with activities recreating traditional games of the Nguyen Dynasty. Organized by the Hue Imperial Citadel Relics Conservation Center, the program attracted a large number of locals and tourists to participate and experience it.

Besides visiting heritage sites and learning about the architecture and history of the Nguyen Dynasty, tourists also have the opportunity to directly immerse themselves in the pastimes that were once popular in the imperial palace. Many games with artistic and intellectual elements have been revived, such as head-of-the-lake game, card games, fortune-telling, poetry recitation, calligraphy, etc. Each activity is connected to the spiritual life of the Nguyen Dynasty's kings and officials during festivals and holidays.

Tourists visit the Hue Imperial Citadel on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The game of throwing cards into a vase requires skill and concentration; the card game demonstrates strategy and strategic thinking; the "xăm hường" game signifies good fortune and success; the poetry game allows players to showcase their wit and literary appreciation; and the calligraphy of the spring conveys wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity.

Recreating traditional royal court games for tourists.

"Độ xăm hường" - a dice-rolling game where players compete for cards representing academic degrees in the old examination system.

Thanks to favorable weather, the event area was always bustling with participants. Many families, groups of young friends, and international tourists enthusiastically tried their hand at the games, listening to explanations to better understand the meaning of each activity. The cheerful atmosphere, the resounding laughter, and the vibrant red of the calligraphy paper created a lively highlight amidst the ancient setting of the Imperial Palace.

This activity not only enriches tourism products during Tet (Lunar New Year) but also serves as a way for heritage to "live" in contemporary life. Through the "learning through play, playing through learning" approach, participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural values ​​of the Hue imperial court; and at the same time, feel more clearly the profound traditions of the ancient capital.

Reenacting the New Year's Changing of the Guard ceremony at Ngo Mon Gate, Hue.

Head-throwing game

Asking for auspicious calligraphy at the beginning of the year.

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center, said: “This year, we are implementing a new program compared to previous years, which is to open the site free of charge to all Vietnamese people on the morning of the first day of Tet; the remaining free days are distributed evenly throughout the year. On the first, second, and third days of Tet, the heritage site will organize many experiential activities such as royal court games, art performances, lion and dragon dances, and martial arts within the Imperial Palace grounds, thereby creating a traditional atmosphere and a joyful and festive spirit during Tet.”

Source: https://vov.vn/van-hoa/tai-hien-tro-choi-cung-dinh-lam-song-dong-khong-gian-di-san-hue-dip-dau-xuan-post1269775.vov