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Long Chu Festival – Don’t Miss this Meaningful Festival in Hoi An

Long Chu is a prominent festival that attracts a lot of attention in Hoi An. Let's delve into the Long Chu Festival - a meaningful festival not to be missed in Hoi An!

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15 December, 2023

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Hoi An is a land with many ancient traditions, including festivals that attract the attention of both local and foreign visitors. The Long Chu Festival is one of the traditional festivals of the people of Hoi An that you should not miss when traveling here. Let’s explore this special festival with us!

1 Introduction to the Long Chu Festival in Hoi An

Origin of the Long Chu Festival

The Long Chu Festival has its origins in ancient times. The term “Long Chu” refers to a boat designed in the shape of a dragon, reserved for important events such as royal ceremonies or the king’s inspection tours. In the belief of the people, the dragon symbolizes strength and also predicts danger, so it receives respect and reverence. The Long Chu boat not only serves as a means of transportation, but also plays an important role in protecting people from evil forces. In addition, the people here believe that Long Chu ensures the development and health of the community through the protection of gods, generals, and spirits.

Meaning of the Long Chu Festival in Hoi An

Long Chu is an interesting festival that reflects the solidarity of the agricultural community in dealing with and eliminating evil spirits and diseases. Thanks to the convergence of Buddhism, Taoism, and folk beliefs, this festival creates a diverse cultural space, demonstrating the multidimensional and rich value of the land of Hoi An.

Not only diverse in beliefs and cultural colors, the Long Chu Festival also conveys meaningful messages about unity and hope in the fight against evil. This festival is also an opportunity to showcase the creative cultural products of the community and demonstrate pride in local culture. This sets an important task of continuing to research and develop the value of this festival to preserve and ensure its future development.

2 Rituals of the Long Chu Festival in Hoi An

Rituals of the Long Chu Festival in Hoi An

The Long Chu Festival in Hoi An includes both ceremony and festival, with specific rituals and procedures. The preparations for the festival must be completed before the main festival day. The festival begins with the ritual of “clearing the way,” performed by seven guardian spirits under the guidance of the Master.

The Long Chu offering ceremony follows a specific sequence as follows:

The ritual to announce the deities is the first ceremony, starting at the hour of the Mouse and including the offering of incense, candles, and teas.
Next, at the hour of the Cat, the main offering ceremony is held, with the offering of sacrifices and recitation of ritual texts.
The official offering ceremony begins at the hour of the Horse, when the Long Chu boat is brought outside the gate and the Master recites the invocation and strikes the command card on the incense table. The Master also recites the summons to the commanding officer and the spirits. After completing the offering ceremony at the Shrine, the procession of the Long Chu boat begins. The Long Chu is paraded through the previously prepared checkpoints, with the assistant master reciting prayers and chants, and the people participating in lighting fires, beating rods, and pulling amulets to welcome the Long Chu.
Finally, at the hour of the Pig, the Long Chu is set on fire and released into the river. The Long Chu is adorned with sesame oil to create light and floats towards the sea.

3 Exciting Activities during the Festival of Long Chu in Hoi An

Exciting Activities during the Festival of Long Chu in Hoi An

The festival part of the Long Chu Festival in Hoi An is very attractive with various interesting activities. After the traditional worship ceremony, the festival turns into entertainment and fun activities. Activities such as singing, performing folk opera, and tug-of-war are usually organized, bringing joy and laughter to the people and participants. In addition, traditional folk games are also an important part of the festival, attracting the participation of people of all ages.

The festival part of the Long Chu Festival usually lasts until late at night, creating a cheerful and exciting atmosphere in the ancient town of Hoi An. This is not only an event for local people and tourists to relax and entertain, but also an opportunity for the community to connect, show solidarity, and embrace their belief in spirituality. The Long Chu Festival has become an important part of the culture and tradition of Hoi An, an occasion for the local people and tourists to experience and enjoy the unique cultural characteristics of this place.

4 Tips for Attending the Long Chu Festival in Hoi An

Tips for Attending the Festival

Here are some valuable tips when attending the Long Chu Festival that we have compiled:

Schedule and Attire: Familiarize yourself with the festival schedule before going and choose comfortable and appropriate clothing for the local weather and climate. Traditional costumes can help you easily immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere.
Participate in Activities: Join in the entertainment activities, such as singing, watching art performances, and participating in traditional games. This is a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere and interact with the locals.
Commerce and Cuisine: Explore the commercial stalls and night markets to shop for souvenirs and indulge in local specialties. The festival often provides excellent opportunities to explore the unique culinary culture.
Respect the Culture: The Long Chu Festival has great spiritual and traditional value, so respect and adhere to the local rules and regulations.
Safety and Health: Maintain your safety and health by drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight and high temperatures, and following disease prevention measures if necessary.
Capture Memories: Don’t forget to bring a camera or phone to capture memorable moments of the festival.

Above are some information about the Long Chu Festival that we have compiled. Hopefully, through this article, you will have a clearer understanding of the unique spiritual festivals in Hoi An!