Society

The Spring Opening Ceremony is held in many localities of Nghe An province.

Huy Thu • February 4, 2025 21:39

On February 4th (the 7th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Snake), many localities in the province organized the Spring Opening Ceremony, attracting locals and tourists alike.

bna_1(1).jpg — To ensure the opening ceremony of the festival is well-prepared, in the districts of Do Luong, Thanh Chuong, Nam Dan, Yen Thanh, Hung Nguyen, etc., local people have joined hands to clean the grounds of communal houses and temples, hang festival flags, national flags, banners, etc., creating a warm and lively atmosphere. In the photo: People in De Dinh hamlet, Trung Phuc Cuong commune (Nam Dan) preparing for the opening ceremony at Duong Lieu communal house. Photo: Huy Thu

bna_3(3).jpg — On this occasion, people in many localities such as Tien Quanh hamlet, Dong Van commune (Thanh Chuong district), Trung Chinh hamlet, Trung Phuc Cuong commune (Nam Dan district)... slaughtered cows, roasted pigs, steamed sticky rice, and prepared chickens to offer at the Khai Ha ceremony. Photo: Huy Thu

After all the offerings are prepared, the procession is held according to traditional customs, starting from the village cultural center and proceeding to the communal house or temple... with the participation of local people, flag bearers, palanquin bearers, and those carrying offerings... moving to the lively sounds of drums and gongs. Photo: Huy Thu

Usually, localities in the province hold the New Year's opening ceremony on the morning of the 7th day of the lunar month. However, in Trung Chinh hamlet, Trung Phuc Cuong commune (Nam Dan district), due to residents' participation in the Spring Football Tournament, the ceremony was held in the afternoon. Photo: Huy Thu

As living standards improve, the New Year's opening ceremony in various localities is also prepared more meticulously and elaborately than before, from the offerings and items to the costumes, processions, and rituals... Photo: Huy Thu

Many ancient rituals and customs of the localities are restored, preserved, and practiced at the Spring Opening Ceremony. In the photo: The ritual of placing a red scarf on the face during the Spring Opening Ceremony at Giap Bao Temple (Trung Phuc Cuong commune, Nam Dan district). Photo: Huy Thu.

During the Khai Ha ceremony, people from various localities usually gather at temples and communal houses in their villages to attend the rituals. Upon arriving at the temples, they typically prepare offerings such as fruits, sweets, incense, etc., to present to the deities. During this ceremony, people also voluntarily contribute money to the renovation and construction of village temples and communal houses. (In the photo: Khai Ha ceremony at Quan Linh Temple, Dong Van commune (Thanh Chuong district). Photo: Huy Thu)

bna_9..jpg — The rituals at temples and shrines during the Khai Ha festival are becoming increasingly organized, encompassing all the traditional ceremonies: passing on the torch, offering incense, flowers, and other offerings, offering tea and wine, reading the congratulatory address, bowing, etc., all to the rhythm of gongs and drums. Photo: Huy Thu

The prayers recited during the Khai Ha ceremony express the spirit of remembering one's roots, the gratitude of the people towards the deities who have contributed to protecting the nation and ensuring peace and prosperity for the villages, and the hope that the deities will continue to bless the families and the homeland, ensuring its ever-increasing peace and development. The person reciting the prayers is the chief officiant (village head) or the local shaman. Photo: Huy Thu

At the end of the ceremony, the people respectfully offered incense to express their gratitude to the gods and guardian spirits, praying for a healthy new year, a bountiful harvest, prosperous business, and smooth sailing in their work. Photo: Huy Thu

After the Spring Opening Ceremony, people attend a blessing ceremony at the temple or the village cultural center. Families who erected New Year's poles have taken them down, officially ending the festive days and welcoming the spring, and beginning to return to the fields for production. The Spring Opening Ceremony is a beautiful traditional cultural feature of many localities. Photo: Huy Thu

Procession during the opening ceremony of Giap Bao Temple in Trung Phuc Cuong commune (Nam Dan district). Video: Huy Thu

The Spring Opening Ceremony is held in many localities of Nghe An province.

Opening ceremony

early spring

January 7th

See more about Society

Read more

The Spring Opening Ceremony is held in many localities of Nghe An province.

Opening ceremony

early spring

January 7th

See more about Society

Read more

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