Several countries around the world such as Japan, Greece, and even Vietnam continue to uphold the tradition of “ceremonial procession” during special occasions with various symbolic meanings.
Time: Takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year. Location: Mỏ village communal house (Trấn Yên commune, Bắc Sơn district, Lạng Sơn province).
Historical background of the festival.
The procession of the male genitalia symbol is one of the unique rituals to pray for luck and peace during the spring festival of Ná Nhèm (Trấn Yên commune, Bắc Sơn district, Lạng Sơn province).
Significance:
According to the local people, “Ná Nhèm” is a Tày word meaning “to make one’s face dirty” or “to disgrace oneself.” The festival is a ritual, a ceremony of offering to Thành Hoàng associated with the legend of protecting the village from enemies and cultural activities, games, and performances of the Tày people in Trấn Yên commune, Bắc Sơn district.”
The training session skillfully recreated scenes of ancient soldiers practicing combat, battling enemies, and engaging in sword fights.
From early morning, a large number of individuals were present inside the village temple of Mo, where ritual offerings known as “Tàng thinh” and “Mặt nguyệt” were placed.
“Tàng thinh” is a large carved wooden statue symbolizing masculine vital energy, while “Mặt nguyệt” represents the feminine reproductive aspect of women. When “Tàng thinh” and “Mặt nguyệt” come together, they harmonize to create peace, warmth, and abundant growth.
Participants of the festival must smear dirt on their faces as they believe that doing so will confuse the evil spirits and prevent any ghosts from recognizing and haunting the villagers, causing disaster and illness for them and their families.
Mr. Ngư, a member of the Tày ethnic group, arrived at 6 am to perform the ritual of smearing dirt on his face. Mr. Ngư shared that this is his sixth year participating in the festival, and he is pleased to see a large number of international tourists coming to witness the event.
Around 10 o’clock, two ritual objects called “Tàng Thinh” and “Mặt Nguyệt” were carried out of the communal house, in the presence of thousands of local residents and tourists who had gathered outside eagerly awaiting.
Leading the procession are two senior generals and their deputies, followed by the soldiers. Flanking them are offerings including: a bamboo tree, ceremonial umbrellas, moon-shaped lanterns, water, and various plants.
The lieutenant general leads the way, holding a broom, simultaneously sweeping and performing sweeping motions to clear the path. The commander and lieutenant general must coordinate their movements and steps to ensure a smooth and rhythmic progression.
Several strong and healthy young men in the village were selected to escort “Tàng thinh” and “Mặt nguyệt” to the Xa Vùn temple located approximately 500 meters from the village temple of Mỏ.
After approximately 45 minutes, the procession brought the ceremonial offerings to the front of the Xa Vun temple for the ritual.
In contrast to previous years, the organizers of this year’s festival have arranged for a soft barrier to be set up around the area to prevent people from touching or disturbing the offerings, in order to maintain the sanctity of the ceremony.
“As a proud citizen of Vietnam, I am passionate about showcasing the most vibrant cultural festivals to international photographers.
If you are a photography enthusiast interested in joining us, please feel free to reach out to me via WhatsApp at (+84) 0389 278 131 or connect with me through my Facebook profile, Vương Văn Ngọc. I look forward to welcoming you to our diverse and colorful events.”
