Tich Dien, or the sacred plowing ritual, is an ancient tradition dating back to the 10th century, which was performed in Duy Tien Town, Ha Nam Province, on February 4th. This ritual holds significant cultural value in Vietnam.
The tradition was first introduced during the reign of King Le Dai Hanh. As a symbolic gesture, the king plowed a field in what is now known as Tien Son Commune, inspiring his people to cultivate rice and honor agriculture.
Annually, on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year, the festival is held to commemorate this royal gesture. The Vietnamese pay tribute to Than Nong, the deity of agriculture, with prayers for abundant harvests and prosperity. This important national holiday celebrates the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
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For centuries, the plowing ceremony has been an integral part of Vietnam’s dynastic culture and traditions. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
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| Unfortunately, this ritual fell into obscurity during the reign of King Khai Dinh of the Nguyen Dynasty. |
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| However, in 2009, there was a cultural revival, and the ritual was reintroduced, bringing with it a renewed sense of cultural pride and reverence. |
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| The festival commences with the powerful drung beating performed by the women of Doi Tam Village, signaling the start of the sacred ritual. |
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| The worship of Than Nong is intensified with a special dragon dance, adding to the festive atmosphere. |
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| A presentation is led by local artisan Pham Tri Khang in front of the altar dedicated to Than Nong and the spirit of King Le Dai Hanh, paying homage to their contributions. |
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| Nguyen Ngoc An, a 75-year-old from Linh Trung Village, embodies the role of King Le Dai Hanh, donning royal regalia and a mask. |
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| He leads the ceremonial plowing of the first rows of the paddy field, followed by the elders of the village, who continue the tradition with reverence. |
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| Young men and women then carefully sow the seeds in the fertile soil, ensuring the continuation of the agricultural legacy. |
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| Among the myriad of traditional festivals in Vietnam, Ha Nam’s Tich Dien stands out for its unique significance. It embodies the collective spirit and cultural identity of the community. |
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| In recognition of its cultural importance, in 2017, the Tich Dien ritual was declared a “National Intangible Cultural Heritage” by the state, ensuring its preservation for future generations. |
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The traditional Tich dien (ploughing) festival took place in Tien Son commune of Duy Tien town, the northern province of Ha Nam, on January 28 (the seventh day of the first lunar month) to pray for bumper harvests and prosperity.
