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Nam Giao, Xa Tac Pray for Peaceful Nation, Prosperous People
As many as 1,100 artists will revive the Nam Giao and Xa Tac Offering Rituals in the 2008 Hue Festival in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue from June 3 to 11, according to the festival organizers.
The Nam Giao Ritual performance on June 4 will see 750 artists revive the Nguyen Dynasty ritual that prays for a peaceful country and prosperous people. On June 10, 350 artists will perform Xa Tac, a ritual of sovereignty offerings to the God of Earth and the God of Cereals to wish for favorable weather and bumper crops.
For peace and prosperity
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| The Royal Procession for the Nam Giao Offering Ritual (Photo: Thuy Duong) |
The Nam Giao Offering Ritual is dedicated to the sacrifice to Heaven and Earth, and primary gods in the country. Thus, under the monarchial reigns of Viet Nam, this was the most important sacrificial ceremony which was imposingly and solemnly carried out.
Under the Nguyen Dynasty, the construction of the Nam Giao Esplanade started in 1806 and completed at the end of the 19th century. It was located in the south of the Imperial City in Hue and comprised of three terraces. The upper one was in round shape, which signified the Heaven, and the two lower terraces were in square shape, which symbolized the Earth and Human. The esplanade covered about 10 hectares in all and included a pine forest.
The Nguyen Dynasty annually organized Nam Giao Offering Ritual in spring. From the reign of King Thanh Thai afterward, the ceremony was only implemented every three years due to limited budget. After 1945, the Nam Giao Esplanade was unkempt and the area was encroached and deteriorated gradually. Nowadays, it has been restored and the UNESCO recognized Nam Giao as a World Culture Heritage site in 1993.
Because of the historical and cultural significances and values of the Nam Giao Offering Ritual, the royal ceremony was restored during the previous Hue Festivals in 2002, 2004 and 2006. This year, it is still one of the most important festivities and is comprised of two parts:
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| The Royal Procession starts at the Royal Palace in the 2004 Hue Festival (Photo: SGGP) |
- Departure ceremony from the Royal Palace: 5:30 to 7:30 AM on May 4. The Great Audience Ceremony will be held at Thai Hoa Temple. Then, the Royal Procession will accompany the King through Ngo Mon Gate to Phu Van Lau Wharf.
- Nam Giao Offering Ritual: from 19:00 to 22:00. The Royal Procession will accompany the King from Trai Cung, northwest of the esplanade to the esplanade.
The Hue Monuments Conservation Center has worked with researcher Trinh Bach in restoring 128 sets of martial costumes for dancers.
Source: saigon-gpdaily.com.vn
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