Việt Trì City’s Ancestral Water Worship Ceremony at Tien Temple

The Ancestral Water Worship Ceremony at the historical site of Tien Temple, Tien Cat Ward, Việt Trì City

On November 16, 2018 (the 10th day of the 10th lunar month in the Year of the Dog), the Ancestral Water Worship Ceremony was held at the historical site of Tien Temple in Tien Cat Ward. The event was attended by Comrade Nguyen Huy Hoang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the City Party Committee, and Chairman of the People’s Council of Việt Trì City; representatives from the Cultural Heritage Management Department of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; along with leaders from several departments and committees of the city, including the Departments of Culture and Information, Internal Affairs, and the City’s Patriotic Front Committee. The leaders of the Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Tien Cat Ward, as well as numerous local residents, also participated.

Tien Temple venerates Mother Thuy To, the Spirit of Dragon, Rainbow, and Sky. According to tradition, she is the mother of Lac Long Quan, the wife of King Kinh Duong Vuong. During her lifetime, she taught people to cultivate strawberries, raise silkworms, and weave silk. The locals affectionately refer to her as Lady Silkworm. In gratitude for her contributions, after her passing, the local people built a temple to worship and have been holding incense ceremonies up to the present day.

In addition to the main ceremony on the Mother Transformation Day, which falls on the 10th day of the 10th lunar month, Tien Temple hosts various festive events annually. These include the Spring Festival from the 3rd to the 15th day of the first lunar month, the 5th day of the 5th lunar month – the Mother’s Birthday. Moreover, on various days throughout the year, such as the second day of spring and fall, the first day of the second lunar month, ceremonies for peace, plowing, upland, and rain are held, featuring incense offerings and traditional rituals.

On the morning of the 10th day of the 10th lunar month, residents from different areas of Tien Cat Ward processed in a parade, offering flowers and gifts to the temple to express their deep respect for the Mother. The religious activities took place in a solemn and respectful atmosphere. The festival included cultural performances, flag dances, and drum dances.

The Ancestral Water Worship Ceremony at Tien Temple, organized annually, embodies the moral philosophy of “When drinking water, remember its source.” It reflects the sincere gratitude of the people in Tien Cat Ward, Việt Trì City, towards their ancestors and the entire nation. This sentiment resonates across the country, symbolizing the desire of every citizen to offer fragrant incense and profound respect to the Mother, expressing gratitude and praying for national prosperity, peace, and stability. The ceremony serves as a reminder for all of us to always turn our hearts toward our ancestors and remember the roots of the Vietnamese people.