Carp release ceremony at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

02/02/2024

On the morning of February 2 (December 23), at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Ceremony of Ong Cong Ong Tao took place and carp release took place in the ancient river, archaeological site 18 Hoang Dieu. This is one of the traditional ceremonies every time the Lunar New Year approaches at the Heritage Area to contribute to preserving and preserving traditional cultural values and good customs and traditions of the Vietnamese people.

This good custom has been restored in recent years and is considered a traditional cultural symbol of Hanoi during the Lunar New Year.

This custom is often prepared after sending Mr. Tao back to heaven. That is the time to clean up thoroughly from inside the house to the outside, paint the house, clean the tables and chairs, and prepare food; Get rid of all the bad luck, get rid of the hardships of the old year and make room for the good luck that is coming in the new year.

After a period of research, the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center coordinated with the Thang Long Cultural Heritage Association to successfully restore this ritual.

The procession wore traditional costumes such as ao dai and turbans.

The carp is kept in a brass pot, and after the worshiping ceremony, it is carried to the ancient river at the archaeological relic site at 18 Hoang Dieu to release the fish.

In the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, the custom of erecting a tree was held on the 23rd or 25th of December. The bamboo tree set up in front of Doan Mon gate is usually presided over by the king or a mandarin with a rank of 3 or higher must receive the king’s edict to preside over the ceremony.

The tree is erected to mark the transition between the new year and the old year, and this custom also carries the meaning of praying for peace and prosperity in the country and people.

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