Exhibition of the old Thang Long Dragon Boat Festival

20/06/2023

Tet Doan Ngo is considered one of the most important holidays. From time immemorial, his father passed down the saying “April measures beans to cook tea. Eat Doan Ngo Tet and return in May”. Every year, on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, from the magnificent and sacred royal palaces to the dear rustic countryside, everyone joyfully welcomes the Lunar New Year. Although there are different rituals and customs in the royal family and outside folk, they are both an opportunity for descendants to return to their roots and be grateful for the merits of their ancestors.

The Dragon Boat Festival was solemnly held by the dynasties with royal ceremonies. According to historical sources, during the reign of Le Trung Hung, the Doan Ngo festival was also an occasion for the king and the royal family to prepare offerings to their ancestors and birth parents. With the regular court ceremony, at Can Chanh Palace, the prince and martial arts officials from the fourth grade of the fifth grade all attended. The king is majestically sitting on the dragon’s throne, and the servants are happy to congratulate him. To up hold the loyalty of the courtiers, the king wrote poetry on the fan to give advice. Traditionally, Tet is also the occasion when the servants are rewarded. The Lunar New Year takes place at the right time when the weather is hot, the fan is an essential cooling device, so in addition to the banquet, the king also conducted a fan. Fans are given to princes, martial arts officials, soldiers, slaves, and minor administrators… The grace of giving fans shows special care and concern for the people with the human meaning of giving “Blessed” Health, Health, and Peace”.

Fan collection with unique fan style of artisan Lan Tuyet’s family

Fan collection with unique fan style of artisan Lan Tuyet’s family

In addition to folklore, the Lunar New Year also has very unique customs such as offering summer produce to ancestors, using food to “kill insects” in people, and picking leaves to make herbal medicine at noon. , wearing an amulet and five-color thread, using henna to dye fingernails and toenails, wearing a cloak, applying royal wine to children, hanging the New Year’s zodiac from wormwood, surveying trees,… These customs are Folk experiences whose origins are directly related to agriculture and weather. Vietnam is a hot country, May is the hot season, creating conditions for insects and bacteria to grow, damaging crops and seriously affecting human health. Therefore, people have to find ways to fight the heat and prevent diseases through dishes and everyday items.

Recreate the street sewing Five Colors Bags on Dragon New Year’s Day

Recreate the old folk pharmacy to prevent summer epidemics

On the occasion of the Doan Ngo New Year in 2023, with the desire to honor the cultural traditions of the nation and promote the cultural values of the Thang Long royal court, the Thang Long Heritage Conservation Center – Hanoi solemnly organizes the Program “Old Thang Long Dragon Festival” with many new features, bearing the imprint of the royal Dragon Boat Festival. The program includes two main activities: exhibiting and experimenting with rituals and a shimmering and ancient check-in space.

National Treasures Recognized at Thang Long Imperial Citadel in 2024

Visitors can visit the outside area and the foot of Hanoi Flag Tower.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel at the end of the year