The sound of Luu Thuy music harmonizing with the rhythm of drums and gongs is also the time when the sacrifice ceremony at Nguyen Trai temple begins.

Scene of the Sacrifice Ceremony at Nguyen Trai Temple

At noon on September 30, the Sacrifice Ceremony at Nguyen Trai Temple (Con Son relic site) was solemnly celebrated by the Organizing Committee of the 2023 Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival.

Attending the ceremony were delegates, people, tourists from all over and representatives of families and descendants of famous man Nguyen Trai in a number of provinces and cities.

This year, the Ritual Team of Truc Thon Residential Area, Cong Hoa Ward (Chi Linh City) continues to undertake the ceremony.

The ceremonial team consists of more than 60 people wearing neat traditional costumes, lining up neatly, performing the ritual. Among them, the men’s worship team (18 people), the women’s worship team (16 people), the music team and the flag team (28 people).

The celebrant read an oration commemorating the merits of National Hero, World Cultural Celebrity Nguyen Trai

The ceremony consists of “3 weeks”. Week 1, offering incense (the sacrificial team offers incense outside the temple yard, with flags standing on both sides); Week 2, offering wine (the sacrificial team offers wine from the outside yard to the inside of the temple); Week 3 is similar to week 2. The ceremony lasts about 1 hour.

The 3 indispensable items used for worship at Nguyen Trai temple are the five-fruit tray, raspberries and pig’s head

Before this ceremony took place, the Organizing Committee of the 2023 Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival offered many items to Nguyen Trai temple, including 3 indispensable things according to the traditional ritual: a tray of five items. fruit, a raspberry and a boiled pig’s head.

The men’s altar team performs the wine offering ceremony from the yard to the altar inside Nguyen Trai temple

The sacrifice ceremony at Nguyen Trai temple has been maintained for many generations and was upgraded from the Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival in 2017. Since then, instead of only taking place once on the 16th day of the 8th lunar month, The calendar and worshiping ceremonies at Nguyen Trai temple were expanded to two more sessions on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (tearing the book) and the 17th day of the 8th lunar month (giving thanks).

The 16th day of the 8th lunar month is the main sacrificial ceremony. The only difference between the three ceremonies lies in the content. The proclamation, rites, and thanksgiving texts were carefully reviewed and prepared by the Ritual Team according to traditional customs.

The above ceremony was held immediately after the incense offering ceremony commemorating the 581st death anniversary of National Hero and World Cultural Celebrity Nguyen Trai ended.

The tranquil sound of Luu Thuy music blending with the rhythmic beats of drums and gongs marks the commencement of the solemn sacrifice ceremony at Nguyen Trai Temple. This significant event, which took place at noon on September 30, was part of the 2023 Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival and was organized by the dedicated committee responsible for the festival.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed delegates, local residents, and visitors from various regions, as well as representatives from the families and descendants of the renowned figure, Nguyen Trai, hailing from different provinces and cities. The Ritual Team of Truc Thon Residential Area, Cong Hoa Ward in Chi Linh City took on the responsibility of conducting the ceremony, showcasing their commitment to preserving tradition.

Dressed in elegant traditional attire, the ceremonial team, comprising over 60 individuals, stood in perfect alignment as they meticulously carried out the rituals. The team included members of the men’s and women’s worship teams, the music team, and the flag team. The celebrant delivered a poignant oration paying homage to the remarkable contributions of National Hero and World Cultural Celebrity, Nguyen Trai.

The ceremony unfolded in three distinct “weeks,” each with its own symbolic significance. During the first week, incense was offered by the sacrificial team outside the temple yard, with flags adorning both sides. In the second and third weeks, wine was ceremoniously presented, first from the outer yard to the inside of the temple and then repeated similarly. The entire ceremony spanned approximately an hour, during which time the air was filled with reverence and solemnity.

Central to the worship at Nguyen Trai Temple are three indispensable items: a tray of five fruits, raspberries, and a pig’s head. These items hold deep cultural and traditional significance, embodying the essence of the ceremony and its enduring customs.

Prior to the commencement of the ceremony, the Organizing Committee of the 2023 Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival presented several offerings to Nguyen Trai Temple in adherence to traditional rituals. Among these offerings were the three essential items: a tray of five fruits, raspberries, and a boiled pig’s head. This gesture underscored the committee’s commitment to upholding and honoring age-old customs and practices.

The sacrifice ceremony at Nguyen Trai Temple has been a cherished tradition passed down through generations. In 2017, it was elevated from being solely a part of the Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival to encompass two additional sessions on the 15th and 17th days of the 8th lunar month. This expansion allowed for a more comprehensive observance of the revered figure Nguyen Trai, with each session holding its own distinct significance. The meticulous preparation of proclamations, rites, and thanksgiving texts by the Ritual Team exemplifies their dedication to preserving and upholding traditional customs.

Following the sacrifice ceremony, which took place immediately after the incense offering commemorating the 581st death anniversary of Nguyen Trai, a sense of reverence and cultural significance lingered in the air. The enduring traditions and rituals observed at Nguyen Trai Temple serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and unwavering reverence for esteemed figures such as Nguyen Trai.

As visitors and participants departed from the temple grounds, they carried with them a profound sense of respect for tradition and a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Nguyen Trai. The solemnity of the sacrifice ceremony at Nguyen Trai Temple serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural richness and historical significance embedded in each ritual and tradition.