According to historical documents, during the Nguyen Dynasty, every year, on special occasions, localities everywhere prepared the most quintessential cuisine and products, carefully selected, to offer to the royal palace. Today, in the cozy atmosphere of the days before Tet, descendants are busy preparing offerings like the old ritual to express the hearts of Hue artisans to their ancestors.
Coming to the ancient capital of Hue on the days before Tet, anyone can feel the traditional colors, solemnity and sacredness covering a large space.
According to Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, Hue people recreate this ritual to recall history and create beautiful images of traditional customs and rituals. This cultural feature also contributes to promoting the image of Hue people and Hue specialties.
The ceremony was solemnly held according to ancient customs. The ceremony included an opening ceremony and a procession with traditional colors. The procession passed through the following locations: Le Huan Street, August 23 Street, Ngo Mon Gate, and The Mieu Temple.
The rituals were reenacted just like in history, including the Opening Ceremony, the Procession Ceremony and the Offering Ceremony. At the Opening Ceremony, Vien Thong Tan held the flag and gave the command for the procession to start moving. The formation had a total of 68 people, dressed in royal costumes, long dresses, umbrellas, and colorful flags.
The procession carrying the offerings moved in an orderly manner from Le Huan Street, turned left onto 23/8 Street, turned into Ngo Mon, Huu Duc Mon, the main gate of The Mieu Temple, passed Tuan Liet Gate on Hien Lam Cac side and then entered The Mieu Temple yard. Two guards were waiting at The Mieu Temple, guiding the procession to arrange the offerings on the altar in the yard to burn incense and receive the offerings to present to the king.
The procession passed through many tree-lined streets in Hue.
The ceremony was held solemnly according to ancient customs.
The procession had a total of 68 people.
The products and specialties were carefully selected and assessed by the Organizing Committee before being offered to the royal palace. Famous flavors from 36 communes and wards of Hue city have gathered here such as: Kim Long ginger jam; Royal ginseng (An Dong ward); red artichoke jam (Phu Thanh commune); sour shrimp, shrimp paste, and fish sauce (Xuan Phu ward); spring rolls and sausages (Vy Da ward)... These are all famous products, imbued with the flavor of the ancient capital.
Offerings were offered at The Mieu, where the Nguyen dynasty kings were worshiped.
The Spring Incense Offering Procession is the main program in the program.Space to display local productslasting for 7 days, from January 23 to 29, 2022 (ie December 21 to 27, Tan Suu year). The ceremony creates a beautiful image of customs and traditions, contributing to promoting the people and specialties of Hue.
