The Yen Ancestor Festival is one of the notable events in Hoi An, attracting a large number of local residents and tourists. The combination of traditional rituals and recreational activities creates a special space that contributes significantly to the development and promotion of tourism in Hoi An. Let’s explore the unique features of this festival!
1 An overview of the Yen Ancestor Festival
Origin of the Yen Ancestor Festival
Origin of the Yen Ancestor Festival
The Yen Ancestor Festival has been present and existed for over 150 years and has become one of the most important and largest folk festivals on Cu Lao Cham Island. The Yen Ancestor Festival usually takes place on the 9th and 10th day of the 3rd lunar month every year in Tan Hiep Island, Cu Lao Cham, Quang Nam province.
Significance of the Yen Ancestor Festival
Significance of the Yen Ancestor Festival
The Yen Ancestor Festival is a celebration to honor and show gratitude to the ancestors who have made significant contributions to the bird’s nest industry. Additionally, the festival carries the meaning of seeking peace and bringing good luck to the community, awakening a sense of pride and awareness in protecting the precious natural resources of the island’s sea.The Yen Ancestor Festival also contributes to the promotion and development of the traditional craft village of Hoi An’s river and water region. This helps domestic and foreign tourists gain a deeper understanding of the origin of bird’s nest – a rare specialty.
2 Ceremonies of the Yen Ancestor Festival
Pre-festival rituals
Pre-festival rituals
The Yen Ancestor Festival takes place over 2 days. On the 9th day of the lunar month, the villagers participate in cleaning and rearranging the worship area, setting up offerings on the altar and ancestral altars. In the evening, the elderly and representatives of the lineages gather at the ancestral temple for rituals and ceremonies with the ancestors and deities. These are the preparatory steps for the main festival on the 10th day of the lunar month.
Ceremonies and rituals
Ceremonies and rituals
On the main day of the Yen Ancestor Festival, the local residents and the elderly in the village participate in significant ceremonies. They perform the ritual of welcoming and escorting the deities with a majestic sedan. The procession will pass through areas with shrines and tombs of ancestors for worshiping and offering respect. The Yen Ancestor Festival includes a series of traditional rituals such as recitation of scriptures, chanting, division of hallowed gifts, and major ceremonies. The ceremonies are conducted according to traditional customs, including worship of the ancestors and other guardian deities of the bird’s nest business such as the Five Elements fairy, the Four Places City God, Great Gan, Southern Sea Jade Lion, etc.
3 Exciting activities in the festival section of the Yen Ancestor Festival
Exciting activities in the festival section of the Yen Ancestor Festival
In recent years, the Yen Ancestor Festival in Quang Nam has become more diverse by combining with various cultural and tourism activities. In the festival section, there will be traditional folk games typical of Hoi An such as “ho hat bai choi” singing, pot-hitting game, along with a campfire exchange activity called “Vui hoi lang chai”. The most remarkable part of the Yen Ancestor Festival is the “delicious dishes of the coastal region” food market experience. Various specialties such as bird’s nest, fish, crab, wild vegetables, snails, etc., will allow you to explore the beauty of Hoi An’s culinary culture.
4 Tips for attending the Yen Ancestor Festival
Tips for attending the Yen Ancestor Festival
Participating in the Yen Ancestor Festival in Cu Lao Cham will be a memorable experience to learn about the folk culture and history of this beautiful island. Plan to attend the festival on the 10th and 11th day of the 3rd lunar month to enjoy the solemn atmosphere of the ceremonies and participate in fascinating traditional cultural activities. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and water for a fun and enjoyable trip!
The Yen Ancestor Festival is not only an occasion to commemorate and express gratitude to the ancestors but also an opportunity for you to discover the culture, cuisine, and beauty of Cu Lao Cham – a famous archipelago in Central Vietnam. If you have the chance, try to participate in this unique folk festival!
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