The villagers still say that to fully experience the spirit of spring in Lang Dong village, one should come here on the morning of the 4th day of the Lunar New Year. At that time, the spring mist still hangs thinly over the temple roof, the scent of incense mingles in the early morning breeze, and the lively chatter of people from all directions converges on Dinh Ca - the cultural and spiritual center of the village. This space is both sacred and intimate, offering visitors a rare sense of peace during the first days of the year.
The Spring Festival is held at the communal courtyard of Dinh Ca - the festival center of Dong Village (Xuan Lung), both in the past and present.
Làng Dòng, also known colloquially as Kẻ Dòng, is an ancient settlement of the Vietnamese people, preserving many unique traditional cultural values. Through the vicissitudes of history, customs and practices associated with the spiritual life of the community have been cherished and preserved by the people. Among these, the Spring Festival is the most important ritual, not only signifying prayers for a good harvest and blessings, but also serving as an opportunity for the community to reconnect with their roots, remembering the merits of their ancestors and forefathers.
The offerings from the clans are presented to the two patron deities of the village, Cao Son Dai Vuong and Quy Minh Dai Vuong.
Dinh Ca, the site of the Spring Festival, dates back to the Hung Kings era and is dedicated to the two village tutelary deities, Cao Son Dai Vuong and Quy Minh Dai Vuong. These deities were believed to have assisted King Hung XVIII in defending the country. In the past, the temple was not only a sacred place but also a community center, a place of teaching and learning for the villagers. Although it was once dismantled, thanks to the people's affection and faith, Dinh Ca was restored at the end of 2009, becoming a cornerstone for the strong revival of traditional cultural activities.
The village elders perform the ceremonial ritual.
In the flow of spring, the Spring Festival in Dong Village offers visitors a complete and rich cultural experience. Before the ceremony begins, a procession carrying an eight-sided palanquin starts from the main temple, circles the village, passes the ancestral temples of several major clans, and returns to the main temple. The procession includes lion dances, flags, lively coin dances, the eight-sided palanquin, and the ceremonial team. The colors of the flags and costumes blend with the rhythm of drums and gongs, creating a vibrant spring scene that makes the village atmosphere even more lively and joyful.
A striking feature of the procession was the enthusiastic participation of all generations. Elderly people gracefully took on the role of master of ceremonies, strong young people carried the palanquin, and children followed their parents, eagerly immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. Wherever the procession went, people on both sides of the road joined the crowd, creating a strong sense of community.
The procession carrying the eight-sided palanquin started from the communal house and circled around the village.
Not only is it captivating due to its festive atmosphere, the Spring Sacrifice Ceremony in Dong Village also impresses visitors with its meticulousness and solemnity in every ritual. From the preparation of offerings to the content of the ceremonial text, everything strictly adheres to ancient traditions. According to folklore and records in the book "Ke Dong Noi Truyen" by writer Nguyen Van Toai, the sacrificial offering must be a pure black pig, carefully cared for before the sacrifice day, expressing reverence and the hope for a clean and prosperous new year.
The Spring Festival eulogy was meticulously composed, linked to the place name of Dong Village, clearly stating the reign year, the names of the dignitaries, and conveying the people's wishes for a bountiful harvest and a peaceful life. After the ceremony honoring the village guardian deity, the ritual of the village elder plowing the first furrow was performed as a symbol of the beginning of the new production year, reminding us of the strong relationship between people and their homeland's land.
Wherever the procession went, it created a lively and joyful atmosphere.
For those who love cultural tourism , Dong Village is not just a place to "watch festivals," but also a destination to experience the depth of Vietnamese rural culture. Strolling around the village communal house, listening to stories about the clans and the Spring Festival, visitors feel as if they have returned to an old-world space, where each custom is connected to community memories and belief in enduring values.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Nghi (87 years old), who has been in charge of looking after Dinh Ca for many years, shared that for the people of Lang Dong village, the Spring Festival is a source of pride and the "soul" of the village. Therefore, preserving and passing on this ritual to the younger generation is considered a shared responsibility of the entire community, so that every spring, this beautiful cultural tradition continues to be illuminated, becoming a source of pride for those from this scholarly land who live far from home during Tet (Lunar New Year).
Amidst the spring journey to the ancestral land, Xuan Lung emerges as a deeply tranquil note. Without the need for bustling tourist services, its pristine, rustic charm and cultural depth create a unique appeal. And so, upon leaving the village, the echoes of the Spring Festival, the atmosphere of the village temple, and the spring colors of the countryside linger, a gentle invitation to return again.
Hong Nhung
Source: https://baophutho.vn/ve-lang-dong-vui-le-te-xuan-247096.htm
Comment (0)