THE HANOI TIMES — In the outskirts of Hanoi, where winter’s chill bites at exposed skin, a January morning in Xuan Lai Village offers a unique spectacle. As the sun struggles to warm the air, dozens of young men emerge, bare-chested, their hands gripping smooth green bamboo poles with determination.
The cold air is filled with their visible breath, yet the atmosphere crackles with an energy that transforms the chill into a palpable warmth. This is the setting for *keo mo*, a traditional bamboo tug-of-war, a ritual that goes beyond physical strength.
This annual event, held at the Ba Temple Festival in Da Phuc Commune, is a testament to community spirit. It’s not merely about winning or losing; it’s a shared experience of endurance and faith, where the collective effort transcends the outcome.
On January 24th, this centuries-old tradition was celebrated with the restoration of Den Ba, or the Lady Temple. Supported by the Hanoi City People’s Committee, the project aimed to preserve not just the architectural marvel but also the living traditions that unite the community, even in the harshest of winters.
The restoration of Den Ba in Da Phuc Commune, Hanoi, marked by an inauguration and plaque unveiling ceremony.
Every year, on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the festival becomes a living museum, inviting both locals and visitors to participate in a historical reenactment. The tools are simple yet symbolic: two bamboo poles, carefully selected and prepared according to spiritual guidelines, donated by village families.
Each step, from cutting to presentation, is imbued with ritual significance, honoring the Holy Lady, the village’s revered deity. Tran Kien, Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Da Phuc Commune, emphasizes, “This game is a sacred tradition, embodying education, solidarity, and the community’s shared spirit.”
The ritual’s resilience is remarkable. It has endured wars, economic crises, and political changes, remaining an unbroken tradition. In 2015, its significance was globally acknowledged when UNESCO inscribed the Xuan Lai tug-of-war on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Two teams, representing Xuan Lai’s hamlets, gather in the temple courtyard under the watchful eyes of village elders.
At the signal, the bamboo bends under the synchronized force, muscles straining, breath visible in the cold air.
“Keo Mo” is more than a game; it’s a cultural expression of collective strength, resilience, and unity in Vietnamese tradition.
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