Visiting Van Xuan for spring outings

In January, Van Xuan becomes a popular destination for spring excursions. Spring excursions here are not just sightseeing at the beginning of the year, but also a journey to rediscover cultural roots – where the traditional values ​​of the Thai people have been preserved through generations and are gradually integrating into sustainable tourism development.

The people of Lum Nua village participate in cultural activities at the beginning of spring.

The highlight is the Nàng Han Festival – a national intangible cultural heritage, held annually on the 5th day of the first lunar month in Lùm Nưa village. The festival is associated with the legend of the heroine Nàng Han, who rallied young men from the village to fight invaders, protect the village, and bring peace to the people. The image of Nàng Han is not only a symbol of patriotism but also represents the role and status of women in the community life of the Thái people here.

From early morning, the road leading into the commune was bustling with laughter and conversation. Locals in traditional Thai ethnic costumes, tourists in long dresses, and processions headed towards Muong Cave – the sacred space where the festival is held.

According to the village elders, a month before the festival, the people begin preparing offerings, erecting flower poles, and practicing folk arts and games. The offerings to the deities include local produce prepared by the villagers themselves, such as pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, fish, various cakes, and sticky rice. The procession, incense offering, and sacrificial rituals are performed solemnly, presided over by village elders, shamans, and representatives of the local government. Following the solemn ceremony is a vibrant and colorful festival. The sounds of gongs, drums, and the rhythmic bamboo pole dance, along with games like throwing the ball and tug-of-war, attract a large number of participants.

At the Nàng Han festival, visitors not only get to immerse themselves in the traditional culture of the Thai people, but also get to admire the traditional costumes and listen to stories about Nàng Han told in the melodious Thai language.

Mr. Cam Ba Vinh, a respected figure in Lum Nua village, said: "The festival is not only to commemorate the contributions of our ancestors but also to promote the cultural values ​​of the Thai people; reminding our descendants to be united and preserve their identity. If we forget our roots, our village will lose its soul."

Besides the Nàng Han Festival, a spring trip to Vạn Xuân also includes activities such as offering incense and sightseeing at the Cửa Đặt Historical and Cultural Relic Site. This is a famous spiritual site located along the picturesque Chu River. The relic site includes the temple of Cầm Bá Thước – a leader of the anti-French resistance movement in the upper region of Thanh Hóa – a symbol of indomitable spirit, and the temple of Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn – the Mother Goddess who governs the mountainous region in the Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship tradition. Cửa Đặt Temple has long been a familiar destination for people from within and outside the province every spring. Visitors come here not only to pray for peace, health, and prosperity but also to admire the majestic mountain scenery.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong from Hac Thanh ward said: "Every year, my family chooses to go to Van Xuan at the beginning of the year because it has both a spiritual space and a traditional festival atmosphere. The feeling is very different from other crowded tourist destinations; it's both peaceful and rich in cultural identity."

This "difference" is precisely Van Xuan's competitive advantage in the increasingly diverse tourism landscape. Van Xuan commune has one national intangible cultural heritage site, the Nang Han Festival, and three historical and cultural relics: the Cam Ba Hien relic site, the historical and cultural relic and scenic spot of Cam Ba Thuoc Temple and Ba Chua Thuong Ngan; and the relic site of the establishment of the first Party branch of Thuong Xuan district. Connecting these destinations will create a meaningful spring travel route, giving tourists a more comprehensive view of this land.

According to Cam Ba Huyen, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Xuan Commune: “The locality clearly identifies cultural preservation as the foundation and tourism development as the driving force. Therefore, we have developed a plan for community tourism and spiritual tourism associated with the preservation and promotion of cultural values. We organize festivals in a systematic manner, paying attention to maintaining ancient rituals. At the same time, the reception of visitors at the Cua Dat Historical and Cultural Relic Area is organized seriously, in a civilized manner, ensuring the safety of tourists. In addition, the commune has encouraged people to renovate their houses, maintain environmental hygiene, and raise awareness of community tourism.”

A noteworthy point is the leading role of the people in the process of preserving and exploiting cultural values. The majority of the people in the commune preserve and promote the cultural values ​​of the ethnic group. Women in the village still maintain the traditional craft of brocade weaving, both for daily life and as souvenirs for tourists, contributing to making Van Xuan an attractive destination at the beginning of the year. Along with the advantages of the locality, Van Xuan commune has coordinated with neighboring communes to connect destinations, promoting cultural values ​​in conjunction with tourism development, so that visitors to Van Xuan are not just on a trip at the beginning of the year, but on a journey to discover the depth of culture.

Text and photos: Thùy Linh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ve-van-xuan-du-xuan-281351.htm