Participating in this experience for the second time, freelance photographer Bui Nhut Thanh, currently living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, captured impressive moments, opening up perspectives rich in culture and spirituality in the lives of local people.
Colorful lions and dragons meander through the streets, bringing a Tet atmosphere filled with joy and excitement.
Consecration ceremony - a sacred ritual with traditional colors
The Quan De Temple Lion Dance Troupe of Tan Chau was established in 1982, carrying the long-standing cultural identity of An Giang. Every year, a few days before Tet, the eye-opening ceremony is held as an important ceremony, "opening the eyes" and breathing life into the lions, dragons and monks here.
The ritual of “opening the eyes and painting the eyes” originates from an ancient Chinese legend, imbued with deep spirituality and meaning. Traditionally, when artisans complete the shape of the unicorn, the two eyes of the mascot are always left blank. Only after being brought to the temple or performing the incense-burning ceremony before the ancestor’s altar, people use Chau Sa wine to paint the eyes of the unicorn. This act of “dotting the eyes” and “opening the eyes” is not only symbolic but also considered the final step for the mascot to be breathed life into, becoming lively and sacred. After this sacred ritual, the unicorn troupe will bring the “soul-breathed” mascots to serve the community, as if sending blessings and joy to every home in the bustling atmosphere of spring.
The opening ceremony at Quan De Temple marks the beginning of a vibrant festival season, associated with beliefs in luck and prosperity.
"I'm not in the industry, so when I witnessed it, it was like learning a new piece of knowledge," Thanh shared. The solemn rituals accompanied by the bustling sounds of drums left an impression on the audience.
"It feels like returning to childhood when witnessing the lion dances skillfully," Thanh said. The parade was organized synchronously, attracting hundreds of people and tourists along the main streets of the town. From children to adults, everyone cheered, waiting for the lion dance to pass by.
Colorful lions and dragons meander through the streets, bringing a Tet atmosphere filled with joy and excitement.
On this occasion, Thanh was able to capture some frames that were filled with artistic beauty. The sound of drums, the bright colors of the lion dance, and the innocent smiles of the people left an indelible impression on Thanh.
Quan De Temple - spiritual and cultural space
Quan De Temple, also known as Ong Pagoda, is not only the place where the opening ceremony takes place, but is also known as an important spiritual address in Tan Chau. Every year, people flock here to pray for a new year of peace and prosperity. Besides the solemn ceremony, Quan De Temple is also a place to preserve many traditional cultural values.
Built a long time ago, Quan De Temple is one of the destinations not to be missed when visiting Tan Chau. Every detail carved on the tiled roof, every horizontal lacquered board and parallel sentences in the temple exudes an ancient and sacred look. The elders say that Quan De Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the spirit of solidarity and attachment of the local people.
Quan De Temple - where the opening ceremony takes place, is a symbol of the connection between spiritual beliefs and community culture in Tan Chau.
Lion dance culture – a heritage that needs to be preserved
Drum beats and lion dances have become an indispensable part of the cultural life of Tet and other festivals in Vietnam. Not only do they bring a vibrant atmosphere, these dances also contain many symbolic values, wishing for prosperity and peace for every family.
"I think this is a very unique cultural feature that needs to be preserved and promoted," Thanh emphasized. Through the lens, he hopes to convey pride in traditional cultural values to the community, especially the youth.
The crisp sound of drums and graceful lion dances are vivid proof of the everlasting beauty of Vietnamese culture.
Participating in the festival as a freelance photographer, Thanh not only recorded images, but also felt the connection between the people and the traditional culture. The vivid images of the opening ceremony and parade are not only valuable assets for Thanh, but also a valuable source of materials to promote Tan Chau culture to domestic and foreign tourists.
Connecting culture and community
The opening ceremony and the lion dance and parade activities at Quan De Temple not only have spiritual significance, but are also an opportunity to connect the community, creating a colorful space for cultural exchange. In the bustling atmosphere of the days before Tet, the festival is like an invisible thread, shortening the distance between people, between the present and tradition.
People eagerly gathered around the lion dance troupe to admire the skillful performances.
Tan Chau land with its unique cultural values promises to be an attractive destination for those who love and want to explore the beauty of Vietnamese culture. As for Bui Nhut Thanh, trips like this are an endless source of inspiration for him to continue his journey of capturing the beauty of his homeland through each photo.
