28/02/2023 | lượt xem: 4

Chu Dong Tu- Tien Dung festival

Chu Dong Tu-Tien Dung festival (love festival) is held in the mid February on the Lunar calendar in 2 communes namely Binh Minh and Da Trach (Khoai Chau district) in order to commemorate the eternal love between Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung princess; at the same time, honor the efforts of Chu Dong Tu in expanding the borders and helping the poor...

Water procession ritual in Chu Dong Tu-Tien Dung festival

Legend has it that Chu Dong Tu was born in Chu Xa village, Van Duc commune, Gia Lam district (Hanoi city). He was the son of Chu Cu Van and Bui Thi Gia. His wife died early, Van lived and raised the child alone. After a fire, they had only a loincloth and took turns to use. Shortly after, Van was seriously sick. Before breathing his last, he advised his son to keep the loincloth for himself. However, Tu wore the loincloth for his father instead, stayed naked and catched fish and crabs to make ends meet.

The third Hung King has a daughter named Tien Dung who hadn't got married. One day, her boat visited Chu Xa area. Listening to the sounds of drums, flutes and the bustlingscene of servants, Tu was scared hiding down into the sand. The boat stopped by the bank and Dung ordered maids to arrange the drape to take a shower coincidently by the place Chu was hiding. The water eroded the sand and showed Tu's body. Tien Dung was astonished, inquired and then proposed to him.

After getting married to Tu, Tien Dung princess was forbidden by her father. She didn't dare to come back and made ends meet by fishing, opening the ports and markets together with her husband. Touched by the affection of spouses, Tien Ong bestowed the magic on Tu. Spouses went along the river's shore, used the magic pole to save the dead out of pandemics and hunger.

On the way, Tien Dung happened to meet Tay Sa princess. They were twinned with each other and Dung matched Sa with Tu. Tay Sa used the magic pole and the conical hat to make the gem castle full of properties.

There was an informant reporting to Hung King that Tien Dung spouses revolted to make their own reign and border. Hung King commanded troops to suppress the rebellion. The spouses surrendered to plead guilty. As soldiers were approaching, there was a hurricane rising, blowing the whole citadel and people to the sky and finally left an immense swamp.

Feeling for the eternal love, the successors called the swamp Da Trach and built the worshiping temples in Da Trach commune and Binh Minh commune to commemorate their contributions. Chu Dong Tu-Tien Dung festival was held annually from the February 10 to 12 on the lunar calendar. In order to organize the festival carefully, the organization board sketched the plan since January on the lunar calendar and established the serving teams. Nguyen Van Tuan, Me So commune said "We have joined the procession team for years, thoroughly understood the rituals and stops of the delegations. The preparation work is implemented soon to avoid any mistakes"

The opening day has not come, yet, Pham Thi Kieu Huong, a tourist in Hanoi city made offerings at Da Hoa temple. She said "I can't wait to the opening day. We expect to watch the solemn procession and relish the dragon dance performances"

Chu Dong Tu- Tien Dung festival is not only the place to spiritually worship but also an attraction on the tour to Hung Yen. On Feb.2, 2023, Da Hoa festival and Da Trach festival were enlisted into the national intangible heritages. This is an important event showing deep gratitude of today generation for the heritages created by the predecessors; at the same time, honoring the national pride and self-esteem and promoting the tradition of "drinking the water, remembering the source" and patriotism.

Nguồn trích dẫn: baohungyen.vn