Hopes from the Khai Son Festival

Every year around the 7th and 8th of January, while the scent of spring still lingers on the hillsides, the villages of Nghi Son (Que Son Trung commune, Da Nang city) come alive with the Khai Son festival.

The Khai Son Festival is solemnly celebrated by the villagers of Nghi Son on the 8th day of the first lunar month every year. Photo: DUY THAI

Wishing for favorable weather conditions.

Mr. Dinh Huu Nam (Nghi Son village) said that Khai Son is a traditional festival deeply rooted in folk beliefs, reflecting the harmonious relationship between people and the mountains, forests, and nature.

Through the ritual of offering incense to the mountain god and paying homage to the village's ancestors, the people express their profound respect and gratitude to the forefathers who pioneered the land and laid the foundation for the formation and development of their village. The Mountain Opening Ceremony also conveys the people's hopes for a new year of favorable weather, successful production, peaceful life, children's academic success, family prosperity, and harmonious village life.

As a major festival at the beginning of the year, preparations are carried out meticulously, carefully, and seriously. Starting from the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the village elders, dignitaries, and representatives of the clans meet to discuss and agree on the content and sequence of the rituals, and assign specific tasks to each person.

According to Mr. Phan Duy Thanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Que Son Trung commune, the festival's organization was carried out systematically, focusing on preserving traditional rituals, ensuring order and safety throughout the festival, and promoting traditional cultural values ​​in conjunction with contemporary community life.

Every ritual and offering is meticulously prepared, strictly adhering to village customs. The main ceremony is held on the morning of the 8th day of the first lunar month, presided over by the Ritual Committee and representatives of the clans. The Ritual Committee includes the chief worshipper, assistant worshippers, ritual chanters, ritual writers, those offering wine and tea, and the gong and drum team.

In a solemn and respectful atmosphere, from early morning, the dignitaries performed the ritual at the Forest Shrine to worship the mountain god, praying for national peace and prosperity, the health of the villagers, and a bountiful harvest. After the ceremony at the Forest Shrine, the solemn procession carrying the ceremonial text returned to the Cay Bang communal house - the center of religious activities in Nghi Son village - to perform the ceremony honoring the village's ancestors.

Following the solemn ceremony, the villagers awarded prizes to their studious children. In the afternoon, the festival atmosphere was lively with folk singing, call-and-response performances, and traditional games. The evening featured a cultural program showcasing the unique character of the homeland, creating a joyful atmosphere and strengthening community bonds.

This year, the Khai Son festival grounds are beautifully decorated. Photo: DUY THAI

"Green Treasure"

According to Mr. Dinh Huu Nam, the festival space today is enriched by the centuries-long historical depth of the Nghi Son region.

Tracing back through history, Nghi Son was originally known as Son Dao Mountain. In the mid-15th century, our ancestors from the Au, Duong, and Phung clans, originating from Thua Tuyen Prefecture - now part of Nghe An Province - overcame countless difficulties to come to this land to cultivate and establish their lives.

During the process of land expansion, our ancestors followed small streams, gradually advancing to higher lands to the north to cultivate fields and named the area Khe Mon. Later, the Le, Dinh, Pham, Tran, Doan, Do, Ngo clans, and others continued to gather, working together to build a community. In 1938, the village officially adopted the name Nghi Son, embodying the aspiration for peace and stability in this mountainous region.

The history of the village's formation and development is closely linked to the arduous and challenging journey of land reclamation. And it is from this experience that the spirit of community solidarity was forged, becoming a core value of the people of Nghi Son.

The Forbidden Forest of Mieu is preserved and protected by the local people. Photo: DUY THAI

“The most outstanding characteristic of the people of Nghi Son is their strong sense of community. In the harsh environment of this mountainous region, only collective effort and solidarity can help the villagers survive and thrive. It is this spirit that has created a resilient, humane village, where people know how to rely on each other to live and develop,” said Mr. Dinh Huu Nam.

This spirit of community cohesion is also clearly demonstrated through the village's regulations for protecting the Forbidden Forest at Mieu. Mr. Tran Dinh Bay (Nghi Son village) said that for the people here, the forest is not only an ecological resource but also a spiritual space, a place that shelters and protects the peace of the entire village. Any act of encroachment on the forest is severely punished.

Thanks to persistent forest conservation efforts and community responsibility, Nghi Son still retains nearly 10 hectares of rare primary forest, a "green treasure" of the village.

During the war, Nghi Son served as a revolutionary base, storing food and weapons. In 1941-1942, Comrade Vo Chi Cong came here to work and lead the revolutionary movement…

Source: https://baodanang.vn/uoc-vong-tu-le-hoi-khai-son-3325424.html