Go to Tay Ninh to see the incense dragon dance

The feat of crafting legendary mascots

The process of creating dragon incense is a journey of constant creativity, from material challenges to continuous technical improvements. Few people know that, over the years, dragon incense has been gradually perfected with increasingly modern, natural and beautiful changes, to meet the viewing needs of a large number of tourists and believers from all over the world.

Members of the Tay Ninh Holy See Boat House Board research the technique of breathing fire from the dragon's head.

The first incense dragon was created in 1955, during the inauguration of the Tay Ninh Holy See. At that time, artisans used simple materials such as bamboo and rattan to create the mascot. Cloth and paper were placed on the dragon's body, and incense was inserted to create magical spots of light throughout the performance. The scene left everyone fascinated and bewildered as they watched the dragon wriggling.

However, the use of bamboo and rattan has problems with durability, these incense dragons quickly deteriorate and artisans have to replace them constantly. To solve this problem, artisans have found a new solution, switching to zinc. Along with the development of technology, incense dragons are constantly changing and improving. Especially in recent years, the technique of making dragon heads has been upgraded.

The artists no longer use heavy zinc and iron, but instead use aluminum – a lighter and more durable material. The use of aluminum makes the dragon’s head more flexible, reducing the burden on the performers, while creating more graceful, lifelike movements.

The dragon body is made of fabric and aluminum frame to create flexibility.

The formation and development of the incense dragon is not only a story about technology, but also a journey associated with the faith, creativity and development of Cao Dai religion. Every time the incense dragon winds, people and tourists not only witness an artistic performance, but also feel the sacredness and mystery of the religion for hundreds of years. With each improvement, the incense dragon becomes more realistic and powerful, bringing to all who admire it an unforgettable feeling, deeply engraved in the mind.

Cultural features preserved through many generations

The incense dragon dance is not only an artistic performance, but also a combination of solidarity, creativity and devotion. In the days of preparation for the Great Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton, the artisans and artists have spent many days and months practicing hard to bring an impressive performance to serve the people and believers.

Since the afternoon of the 4th, members of the Bat Nha Boat House Committee have begun their practice sessions. This year, the Great Ceremony of Duc Chi Ton will feature a pair of “twin dragons”, something new and challenging for the performers. Each dragon is 36m long, requiring nearly 50 performers and 100 people to follow and support.

“The head part has 7 people in charge, the tail part has 5 people. The body part is divided into many small sections, each section will be handled by 2 people” - Mr. Phan Trung Hieu, a member of the team said.

Dragon dance with incense - a unique symbol of the Cao Dai religion of Tay Ninh Holy See.

Mr. Le Van Ngan - Permanent Deputy Manager of the Boat House Board said that before the main dance ceremonies, the brothers in the team will gather to practice and coordinate well. On the practice day, not only the dragon and incense, but also the unicorn, turtle and phoenix mascots will "practice martial arts" until all movements and gestures are smooth and harmonious.

The rehearsals are not only a physical challenge but also a test of team spirit. Each member of the group must work together in harmony and coordination to create the perfect performance. Every movement, from the graceful steps to the twists and turns, is carefully calculated to not only be beautiful but also to honor the mysterious and sacred nature of the dragon.

Mr. Huynh Thanh Viet (Long Thanh Bac ward, Hoa Thanh town) is a member of the Lion and Horse team. He said that his grandfather and father both participated in the lion dance at the Holy See. For the past two years, he has followed the family tradition. To dance beautifully and express the spirit of a Dragon Horse, he practices with his teammates every Sunday. On the occasion of Duc Chi Ton's birthday, he also participates in the performance.

“To dance the dragon horse, the leader must practice hard to be able to hold the lion’s head with one hand, control the mascot’s chin with the other hand, and must dance with gestures. The person dancing the tail, although lighter, must also practice dancing so that each step and beat matches the person dancing the head,” Mr. Viet shared.

The Four Spirits Convergence - a performance that always receives cheers and applause from the audience.

The dragon dance is even more special because of the harmonious combination of the four sacred animals: dragon, unicorn, turtle, phoenix, along with impressive fire-breathing performances, creating a brilliant and mysterious space for the Holy See. Along with the four sacred animals, following behind, are attractive performances by the unicorns, the Earth God, the Tang Monk and his disciples, the cranes... Each team shows their most unique and excellent features to offer the Supreme Being the respect of the people on earth.

Dragon Horse Dance requires smooth and harmonious coordination of teammates.

Mr. Huynh Vinh Phuc - Captain of the Tay Ninh Holy See Lion and Dragon Dance Team said that his team consists of 3 lions with 3 colors: blue, yellow, red according to the "three colors" principle of Cao Dai religion. The lion dance team was established in 1998. For nearly 30 years, every time the big festival season comes, the team members gather at his private house in Long Dai neighborhood, Long Thanh Bac ward, to practice together, ready for the performance.

“Each of us in the team is located in a different place, some in Chau Thanh, some in Tan Chau, Tan Bien… Even though we are far away, every holiday, we gather together to perform. Being able to perform during the big festivals with our teammates is a great happiness. Everyone tries to perform the flexible and funny lions to bring our compatriots and followers near and far interesting experiences when they come to Tay Ninh to watch the festival,” Phuc shared.

The lion dance team is typical of Cao Dai religion with 3 colors: red, blue, yellow corresponding to 3 sects: Saints, Fairies, Buddhas.

Watching the incense dragon dance wriggling in the shimmering light brings many emotions to the viewers. Mr. Nguyen Tuan Minh (Hoa Thanh town) expressed: “Every time I watch the incense dragon dance, I feel very proud. Since I was a child, my parents took me to watch the incense dragon dance on every holiday. The sacred and bustling atmosphere of the incense dragon dance has become a beautiful memory, associated with my childhood”.

Every time there is a dragon dance, the Tay Ninh Holy See attracts thousands of tourists to watch.

Over the years of existence and development, the incense dragon dance has become a traditional cultural activity, a pride closely associated with the spiritual life of Tay Ninh people.

Hoa Khang - Khai Tuong

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/ve-tay-ninh-xem-mua-rong-nhang-a186009.html