Xa Tac Ritual: A Sacred Tradition in Hue, Vietnam
In the early hours of April 12, 2015, at 4 am to be precise, the ancient city of Hue buzzed with activity as the Xa Tac Ritual commenced. The ritual was held at the Xa Tac Esplanade within the premises of the Hue Citadel, located in Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue. The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre (HMCC) organized this solemn event, with the presence of authorities from Thua Thien Hue Province and local residents, including the Provincial Party Committee’s Secretary, Nguyen Ngoc Thien, who presided over the ritual.
The Xa Tac Ritual is a ceremony dedicated to paying respects to the genies of Earth (Xa) and Rice (Tac). During the Nguyen Dynasty, this ritual was one of the imperial ceremonies held to pray for peace, prosperity, favorable weather, and abundant crops. Traditionally, the king would lead the ceremony, which took place twice a year, in spring and autumn. Today, it is an annual event held in the spring and is considered one of the most important rituals, second only to the Nam Giao Worshipping Ceremony at the Nam Giao Esplanade.
Attendees of the ritual wore traditional Ao dai and scarves, adding a touch of cultural elegance to the occasion. After the official rites concluded, residents and visitors offered incense and prayed for good fortune.
- Photos by Hoang Ha capture the essence of the ritual, showcasing the traditional attire, the decorated esplanade, and the solemn atmosphere of the event.
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