Performed by: Nam Nguyen - Quang Phong | February 22, 2024
(To Quoc) - Around 11:30 PM on February 21st (the 12th day of the first lunar month), after the sacred fire was lit at the Chu Ba mausoleum during the traditional festival of Van Noi village (Phu Luong ward, Ha Dong district, Hanoi ), thousands of people used bamboo poles to carry the sacred fire for good luck to light at their ancestral altars.
The communal temple of Văn Nội village (Phú Lương ward, Hà Đông district, Hanoi) worships the village's tutelary deity, "Cừ Súy Dực Bảo Tướng Quân Chu Bá," a talented general skilled in both military and literary arts during the time of the Trưng Sisters' rebellion (40-43 AD).
On the 11th and 12th days of the first lunar month, the traditional festival of Van Noi village is held here, featuring valuable traditional rituals such as: the welcoming ceremony for the sacred house, the palanquin procession, the farewell ceremony, and the burning of votive paper at the tomb of General Chu Ba… On the night of the 12th day of the first lunar month, there is a custom of carrying votive paper and sacred fire from the communal house down to the tomb of "General Chu Ba" to perform the ceremony and burn votive paper.
This is a unique traditional procedure, a cultural and spiritual practice passed down from ancient times in the Van Noi village festival. This cultural feature is perhaps one of a kind among all festivals in Vietnam.
Thousands of locals and tourists waited at the Chu Ba mausoleum, using bamboo poles to tie incense sticks, preparing to light the sacred fire.
The ceremonial horse was carried in procession to the tomb of Chu Bá for the ritual.
The festival attracts tens of thousands of people from within and outside the commune, as well as from near and far, to participate in the rituals and festivities.
After the elders finished their rituals, at exactly 11:30 PM, the chief priest took out the sacred flame and burned the offerings.
As the fire blazed up, hundreds of people rushed in, jostling to grab a piece of the sacred flame.
Villagers and visitors from all over ask for sacred fire to light at their ancestral altars, hoping to receive the blessings, protection, and guidance of the Saint, for better health, good fortune, and a more peaceful and prosperous life.
The fire was large and hot, reaching a high temperature; even with a bamboo pole, one still felt a burning sensation when trying to ignite the sacred fire.
Hundreds of people used bamboo poles to make fire at the same time.
It took the fire about 40 minutes to burn through the pile of votive paper.
Because the fire was so hot, many people tried to divide it into smaller sections so they could easily light the incense.
After obtaining the sacred fire, the villagers bring it home and light it on their altars. They mainly use large incense sticks, so everyone does it slowly and without rushing. The people here believe that the incense offered is a blessing from the saints, passed down to the villagers through the sacred fire when it is burned.
Some people used oil lamps to bring fire home.
Everyone was happy and excited to receive the sacred fire to take home.
"After bringing the fire home, I will light incense at the altar to pray for health and good fortune for my family," a local resident shared.
Source
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