Restoring the Thượng Temple Festival
(Baonghean) - Thuong Temple, Quynh Nghia commune (Quynh Luu district) is located 15 km east of Cau Giat town center. It is known as a land with a long and ancient history. Quynh Nghia stretches like a soft silk ribbon along the coast. The people live by farming, seafood harvesting, handicrafts, and services.
Mr. Ho Tuc (82 years old) recounted the origins of this temple: The Upper Temple was built during the Le Dynasty (15th century), dedicated to the deities Cao Son and Cao Cac. The temple has a southeast-facing structure, with a large, thick tiled roof decorated with a double dragon motif facing the moon. Located on high, dry, and airy ground, surrounded by lush trees, the temple's architecture follows the shape of the Chinese character "Tam" (three), consisting of three buildings: the Lower Hall, the Middle Hall, and the Upper Hall.
During the two wars of resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, Thuong Temple became a place for teaching the national language, a place for daily life for the people, and a storage place for weapons and goods of the State. Thuong Temple was also the site of farewell ceremonies for hundreds of young people who went to fight the enemy to save the country and win independence and freedom for the nation. Because of these historical and cultural meanings and values, on June 28, 1996, Thuong Temple was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Previously, the Thượng Temple festival was held annually in mid-January, lasting for three days (from the 15th to the 17th). Besides the procession of the deity, the sacrificial rites, and the standing vigil, there were also drum and cymbal dances and songs. Games during the festival included wrestling, chess, card games, rowing, and theatrical performances; in some years, cockfighting and sword fighting were added. The final night of the village festival featured fireworks, creating a vibrant atmosphere. And notably, every 12 years, the villagers of Phú Nghĩa would hold a commemorative ceremony and reenactment of the battle against the Hóp invaders on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month to remember the merits of Duke Trương Đắc Phủ through a theatrical performance called "Trò Lề".
Mr. Pham Van Dieu, the caretaker of Thuong Temple, said that currently, the commune organizes the Grand Ceremony once every five years. During the ceremony, the local authorities still follow traditional rituals. As for the festivities, they organize some folk games such as volleyball, human chess, tug-of-war, and wrestling. However, games with historical significance and artistic value have not yet been revived…
The festival in Phu Nghia is both an agricultural and a historical festival, meticulously organized and encompassing many meanings: showcasing intelligence, martial spirit, a love of art, honoring labor and working people, admiring heroes, and expressing gratitude to those who have contributed.
The restoration of the traditional festival embodies a sentiment that is both subtle and profound, yet pervasive and all-encompassing: the worship of deities. This is a time when villagers collectively express their thoughts and feelings, including reverence and gratitude to their ancestors who contributed to the village and the nation, and who have blessed and protected them. It also reflects the villagers' aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous life. Therefore, the restoration of the Thượng Temple Festival is of great importance in preserving and promoting the village culture that has been accumulated over many historical periods up to the present day.
In a conversation with Mr. Ho Dinh Xich, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Nghia commune, it was learned that: “Given the trend of social development, preserving national cultural identity is a matter of social concern. To meet the spiritual and religious needs of the people towards deities and heroes, the Party Committee and People's Committee of the commune have requested approval from higher authorities to restore the festival, including the restoration of traditional games and some other folk games. In addition, many recreational activities related to history will be organized to educate future generations about their national origins. In 2015, the commune will organize the Thuong Temple Festival on a large scale. Currently, we are focusing on building and strengthening the infrastructure and upgrading some related structures within the temple to prepare for a successful grand ceremony.”
Viet Hung
