The Muc Dong Procession Festival in Phong Le Village, Da Nang is one of the unique traditional festivals of Central Vietnam. It holds a deep meaning in the lives of the village residents. Let’s explore the origin and significance of this Muc Dong Procession Festival!
1 Some insights into the Muc Dong Procession Festival
Origin of the Muc Dong Procession Festival
Origin of the Muc Dong Procession Festival
From ancient times, there is a story about Phong Le Village having a mound in the middle of a field. One day, a farmer took a flock of ducks to the mound, but to his surprise, the ducks’ feet were stuck to the ground, as if there was an invisible hand holding them. This strange event made the villagers believe that there might be a divine presence dwelling in this mound. Since then, this mound has been called the Thần Mound.
Shortly after, a herd of buffaloes in the village accidentally strayed onto the Thần Mound. The children herding the buffaloes came to find them, but the strange thing was that neither the people nor the buffaloes encountered anything. From this, it was realized that only children herding buffaloes could approach the Thần Mound. This place then became a gathering spot for the village children whenever they took the buffaloes for grazing. The small mound area was later named Xóm Đồng.
After many generations, a separate festival for children herding buffaloes gradually developed and it became known as the Muc Dong Procession Festival.
Time of the Muc Dong Procession Festival
The Muc Dong Procession Festival takes place on the last two days of the lunar month of March, when the harvest season ends and the villagers begin to prepare for the festival.
In the past, the village used to organize the Muc Dong Festival once every 3 years. But then, the duration was extended to 6 years and finally to 12 years. By 2007, after more than 70 years of absence, the Muc Dong Procession Festival was reinstated by the people of 17 clans in Phong Le Village, with their own contributions and the support of the city’s folklore association, in order to restore the cultural beauty left by their ancestors.
Significance of the Muc Dong Procession Festival
The Muc Dong Procession Festival is organized with the hope that the divine beings will bless the village with a bountiful harvest year and a prosperous life. When visiting Phong Le Village during the festival days, tourists will have the opportunity to admire many artifacts and sacred objects that the locals have prepared in advance, offering prayers to the divine beings.
Especially during this festival, tourists can witness the adorable scene of children wearing traditional costumes of buffalo herders from ancient times, playing and having fun in the fields.
2 Rituals of the Muc Dong Procession Festival
The Muc Dong Procession Festival is an important occasion for the residents of Phong Le Village. Besides the small flags of the Muc Dong, the festival also features special “dai ky” flags of the 17 clans. These flags have large, 5-meter-long poles and display symbols representing the four mythical creatures and the four arts, including dragon, unicorn, tortoise, phoenix, as well as scholar, farmer, craftsman, and merchant. Among them, plows, hoes, and spades are the most numerous.
Procession through the fields
Procession through the fields
The first ritual of the Muc Dong Procession Festival is the procession through the fields, starting from the afternoon of the 29th day of the lunar month. This is also an important time for children who are away from home to return to the village. The Muc Dong carry flags around the fields and chant prayers for a fruitful harvest in the upcoming year.
Procession of the Nông God to the communal house
Procession of the Nông God to the communal house
On the morning of the 30th day of the lunar month, the formal procession of the Nông God to the communal house takes place. From early morning, all the village dignitaries, the Muc Dong, and the entire community are ready to participate in the procession. A flag-bearing team leads the way, followed by the Muc Dong carrying ceremonial guava branches, then comes the shrine carriage, the Muc Dong flags, and the flags of the clans along with lanterns.
Upon reaching the Thần Mound, the chief presiding officer conducts a ritual, paying homage and asking for the blessing of the Nông God before escorting him back to the communal house. Four strong young men in the village are tasked with carrying the sedan chair to bring the Nông God back. The sedan chair is adorned with 4 roofs decorated with 4 bamboo nodes and flowers on the curtain, creating a solemn and magnificent beauty. Throughout the journey, the sound of ritual music and drum beats resounds joyfully.
When arriving at the communal house, the presiding host performs the ritual of enshrining the deity, and the clans take turns offering incense. Next, at the village communal house, the ritual of worshiping the Nông God takes place. After the ritual ends, the offerings on the altar are distributed to everyone for a shared prosperity.
3 Exciting activities in the festival fair of the Muc Dong Procession Festival
Exciting activities in the festival fair of the Muc Dong Procession Festival
In every festival, there is always a fair with various lively activities to attract people’s participation. The Muc Dong Procession Festival also has a fair with many exciting activities.
Folk games such as “Rồng Rắn Lên Mây” (Dragon Snake Up to the Clouds), wrestling, tug-of-war, pole pushing, traditional checkers, and breaking pots, are enthusiastically participated by the children of Phong Le Village in a lively and energetic atmosphere of the festival.
Especially, on the evening of the 20th day of the lunar month, “mục đồng” singing and “tuồng” (classical drama) performances will be organized at the Tien Hien Church yard. The purpose of the singing night is to give thanks to the divine beings for granting the village a prosperous harvest and a well-fed life.
At the same time, this is also an opportunity for the people to relax and entertain themselves after a period of hard work.
4 Tips for attending the Muc Dong Procession Festival
Tips for attending the Muc Dong Procession Festival
When you participate in the Muc Dong Procession Festival in Phong Le Village, make sure to wear comfortable and easy-to-move clothes to be able to engage in the exciting folk games.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the interesting and joyful moments. The festival takes place in March, and the weather is usually sunny and hot, so remember to bring a hat and drinking water to enjoy the festival activities in the most comfortable way.
The Muc Dong Procession Festival is not only a unique and fascinating traditional festival, but also a manifestation of the respect and gratitude of the people towards the divine beings. The Muc Dong Procession Festival is an important part of Da Nang’s folklore culture that needs to be preserved and worthy of pride.
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