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The unique procession of spirits on the full moon day of the first lunar month in Do Luong.

Hoai Thu • February 11, 2025 17:21

On the occasion of the full moon of the first lunar month, clans in Do Luong district of Nghe An province often organize the procession of ancestral spirits. This is one of the local people's worship customs, passed down through many generations.

For hundreds of years, people in some localities in Do Luong district have maintained the custom of carrying the ancestral spirits on the 15th day of the first lunar month. This is a ritual to welcome the souls of the deceased from the family's ancestral shrine to the main ancestral temple of the clan. Photo: HT

The procession is held solemnly. Each procession must prepare a memorial house or palanquin for incense, flowers, and photographs of the deceased; ceremonial flags, drums, gongs, and candles. Photo: HT

Each person in the procession carries a candle. The candles are lit and kept burning along the way, symbolizing the guiding light that leads the deceased to their final resting place. Photo: HT

Gongs and drums are struck regularly according to a set rhythm. Photo: HT

A procession carrying the ancestral tablet in Quang Son commune. This procession only takes place after the family has completed the mourning period for the deceased, usually after 2 years and 3 months. Furthermore, if there are no recent deaths within the family lineage that have not yet completed the mourning period, the ancestral tablet can then be brought to be worshipped at the family's communal ancestral temple. Photo: HT

Those participating in the procession are usually the children, relatives, and neighbors of the host family. Photo: HT

A palanquin carrying a coffin in Thai Son commune, Do Luong district. Photo: HT

The palanquins used in funeral processions are quite diverse in style, and are decorated solemnly and respectfully. Photo: HT

The procession of ancestral spirits in some localities in Do Luong district reflects the concept of "every person has ancestors," filial piety, and the custom of ancestor worship among the local people. Photo: HT

However, besides showcasing the spiritual and cultural beauty in the lives of the people of Luong region, some clans still maintain the custom of only carrying the ancestral spirits of males, not females. In some communes, people organize the procession during the day, while in other localities, it is held on the night of the full moon in the first lunar month. Photo: HT

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The unique procession of spirits on the full moon day of the first lunar month in Do Luong.

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