The Midnight Pig Parade: A Unique Tradition for Fortune and Luck

La Phu Village, Hanoi, comes alive with the vibrant ‘Pig Ceremony’. On the evening of the 13th day of the first lunar month (February 10), the villagers of La Phu in Hoai Duc District, Hanoi, carry out a unique tradition of parading dozens of ‘Mr. Pigs’ through the alleys and streets, culminating in a grand ceremony at the village’s communal house to honor the local deity. This ritual stems from the ancient practice of offering sacrifices to the military by Tam Lang Dai Vuong, a revered general during the time of the Hung Kings, who led successful campaigns against the Shu Kingdom.

As the sun sets around 6 pm, the village is illuminated with colorful lanterns and twinkling lights, setting the stage for the grand procession. The ‘Mr. Pigs’, along with other offerings, are carried through the alleys, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums, creating a festive atmosphere that draws curious onlookers.

The ‘Mr. Pigs’ are meticulously prepared and decorated, with special attention given to their noses, eyes, ears, tails, and limbs. Each hamlet selects only one ‘Mr. Pig’, ensuring it is well-fed, healthy, and presented in the best possible condition. On the day of the ceremony, the chosen pig is brought to the host family, where it is slaughtered, adorned with decorations, and placed on a palanquin, awaiting the auspicious time to be carried to the communal house for the main ritual.

The procession is an impressive sight, with three main palanquins: the tray of blessings, the tray of prosperity, and, of course, the ‘Mr. Pig’. Leading the way is a troupe of drummers and musicians, filling the air with lively melodies that energize the entire village. The procession winds its way through the village, lasting for about two hours, before finally reaching the communal house at 9 pm.

The night sky is illuminated with fireworks, adding to the festive ambiance and excitement of the journey.

After a year of dedicated care, the well-fed ‘Mr. Pigs’ are now ready for their grand entrance. They are placed on palanquins, shaded by ceremonial umbrellas, and adorned with colorful lights and flowers, creating a majestic spectacle.

For two hours, the villagers carry the ‘Mr. Pigs’ in a joyous procession around the village before finally arriving at the communal house at 9 pm.

The entrance to the communal house is a bustling scene, with offerings piled high and visitors from far and wide gathering to take part in the ceremony.

At exactly 9 pm, the ‘Mr. Pigs’ are escorted into the sanctuary by the organizers and village elders, marking the climax of the ceremony.

Given the substantial weight of the ‘Mr. Pigs’, each weighing over 200 kg, it takes the combined effort of several strong young men to carry them into the sanctuary, ensuring a dignified and respectful procession.

Once inside the sanctuary, only those with specific duties are permitted to enter. Out of the 17 ‘Mr. Pigs’ paraded through the village, six are carefully chosen to be brought into the inner chamber for the sacred ritual, while the remaining pigs are honored in the outer chamber. At midnight, the village elders commence the solemn ceremony, which continues until the early hours of the morning. Afterward, the pigs are carried back to their respective hamlets, where the meat is distributed among the villagers the next day as a symbol of blessings and prosperity.