(Baonghean.vn) - The custom of carrying trays to contribute to a feast not only signifies remembrance of the deceased but also reminds descendants of their responsibility to their grandparents and ancestors.It is a unique cultural tradition that has existed for a long time and has been maintained by the people of Yen Thanh, a rice-growing region, to this day.
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| On the small roads of Yen Thanh district, during holidays and festivals throughout the year, especially the full moon of the seventh lunar month, it's not uncommon to see people carrying trays of offerings to contribute to the feast. The image of women carrying trays, their cheerful chatter evoking a sense of peace and closeness. |
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| According to local tradition, preparing the offerings and bringing them to the ancestral temple is usually the responsibility of the women. Whether the distance is near or far, the mothers, sisters, and daughters are always happy to help. The offerings are placed in baskets, secured with carrying poles, and then hoisted onto their shoulders to be carried to the ancestral temple. |
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| The feast is prepared by the hands of the housewife in the family and reflects the unique character of the rice-growing countryside. People believe that the deceased are just like the living, and a complete feast shows the respect of the descendants in the family. The feast cannot be without traditional dishes such as banh chung (sticky rice cake), banh tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake), meat, fish, and various kinds of vegetables and fruits. |
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| Throughout the long journey, the sisters often took turns carrying the loads or rested along the way to regain their strength. |
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| In cases where there are few people in the household or they are not healthy enough to carry the trays of food, the women can use bicycles to transport them, but they are only allowed to push the bicycles, not ride them. |
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| The offerings are arranged in a specific order at the church for the religious ceremony. |
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| The offerings are arranged in the lower part of the ancestral hall, while the main altar usually features sticky rice and a chicken. After the clan leader completes the ritual, the family gathers to wait for the incense to burn out before taking down the offerings. This is a time for the elders of the clan, as well as descendants near and far, to reminisce and strengthen the bonds between generations. This custom is maintained annually and is considered a beautiful cultural tradition of the people of Yen Thanh, the rice-growing region. |
Thanh Quynh
