Festival

The Eternal City’s Ancient Ritual Returns

In the heart of Hanoi, the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel comes alive each June with a vibrant celebration of the city's rich historical heritage. A myriad of cultural events and performances are held within its ancient walls, offering a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to immerse oneself in the traditions of old Hanoi.

Administrator

6 June, 2024

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The cultural program, “Tet Doan Ngo at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel,” offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions and the unique customs associated with the Tet Doan Ngo festival. This event, part of the celebrations for the 2024 Tet Doan Ngo, brings to life the ancient traditions and rituals of Vietnam’s royal court.

A traditional Doan Ngo banquet, featuring an array of delicious dishes and sweet soups. Photo: Yeu Bep Esheep.

Tet Doan Ngo, or the Doan Ngo Festival, is a mid-year festival celebrated in Vietnam and several East Asian countries. Falling on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it is often referred to as the “Bug-killing Festival” due to its unique customs. A folk song captures the essence of this festival: “Measuring out beans to cook sweet soup in April / Celebrating Tet Doan Ngo in May.”

The cultural program, taking place on June 6 in the courtyard of Kinh Thien Palace within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, aims to preserve and showcase the nation’s cultural heritage and the royal culture of Thang Long. It is a celebration of traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Exploring the Doan Ngo Festival Theme Display

The display at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, featuring a vibrant and colorful recreation of the Doan Ngo Festival. Photo: Hoang thanh Thang Long.

Doan Ngo marks the beginning of the hottest days of the year, and Vietnamese ancestors had unique ways to combat the heat and prevent epidemics. They believed in the power of certain foods, medicinal herbs, and even wore five-colored threads and carried perfumed medicine bags to ward off insects. These customs are faithfully recreated at the festival, with a worship space and an exhibition area that take visitors back in time to the old streets of Thuoc Bac and Hang Mun in Thang Long.

The display also includes paintings and models that explain ancestor worship rituals, court ceremonies, and the tradition of giving fans, offering a comprehensive understanding of these ancient traditions.

This fascinating display will be open to the public until June 10 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site, located on Hoang Dieu Street in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District.

Witnessing Royal Ceremonies

The Doan Ngo Festival Worship Ceremony, a highlight of the royal ceremonies performed during the feudal period of Vietnam.

During the feudal period, the Doan Ngo Festival was a grand affair, with royal ceremonies and offerings made by the king and royal family to their ancestors. It was also a time to reward court officials and encourage loyalty. The king would write poems on paper fans and present them to dignitaries, soldiers, and members of the royal household.

Each year, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, along with the Thang Long Cultural Heritage Association, Y Van Hien Ancient Costume Design House, and the Vietnam Performing Arts Conservation and Development Center, collaborate to reenact these ancient rituals, bringing the past to life.

Tet Doan Ngo is a celebration of cultural traditions and is also known as “National Medicine Day” in Vietnam.

Participating in the “Bug Killing” Custom

On this day, people engage in the custom of picking herbal leaves, believing that noon on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month is the optimal time to gather these leaves for traditional medicine. According to Vietnamese folklore, our bodies may harbor “bugs” or parasites that “emerge” on this day. To counteract this, families gather to eat special foods and fruits, such as peaches, plums, lychees, and mangoes, along with traditional cakes and drinks like banh tro and ruou nep.

Culinary artist Pham Thi Anh Tuyet explains the significance of these foods, noting that the cake helps cool down and detoxify the body during the hot festival season. It also acts as a diuretic, aiding in the removal of excess salt and water from the body.

This ritual will be performed at the Octagonal Tower, located within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Area, offering a unique opportunity to participate in ancient traditions.

Tea Ceremonies and Interactive Performances

Tea artist Hoang Anh Suong showcases the art of the traditional tea ceremony, a key part of Vietnamese culture.

Tea ceremonies hold a special place in Vietnamese culture, and the Doan Ngo Festival is no exception. On this day, people would traditionally pick specific leaves and buds to dry and store for their tea throughout the year. The Tran dynasty (1226-1400) even had a special palace dedicated to the tea ceremony, and the ritual reached its peak under the Le and Nguyen dynasties. During the Doan Ngo Festival, the Nguyen kings would reward their servants with tea, edible bird’s nests, fans, and handkerchiefs.

To honor this tradition, the center has collaborated with tea artists Hoang Anh Suong and Nguyen Cao Son, who will present captivating tea performances and share their knowledge of brewing and serving tea. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of this ancient art and enjoy a unique tea-tasting experience.

These tea performances will be hosted by the talented tea artists on June 6 and 9, respectively, at the Octagonal Tower, located at the East Gate of the Relic Site.