Nestled in the heart of modern Hanoi, the Soc Son Giong Festival is like a precious gem, preserving the unique traditional cultural values of the nation. Along with the Phu Dong Giong Festival, this festival has been honored by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, affirming the importance and vitality of folk beliefs in contemporary life. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover the unique features and profound meanings of the Soc Son Giong Festival, a cultural destination not to be missed when traveling to Hanoi.
History and Significance of the Soc Son Giong Festival
The Soc Son Giong Festival is not just a cultural event, but also a vivid picture recreating the legend of Saint Giong, one of the “four immortals” of Vietnamese folk beliefs. This festival is held annually at the Soc Temple historical site in Soc Son district, Hanoi, which is believed to be the hometown and also the place where Saint Giong ascended to heaven after defeating the An invaders.
The core meaning of the Soc Son Giong Festival lies in authentically and vividly simulating the battles between Saint Giong and the Van Lang people against the invaders. Through this, the festival evokes patriotism, martial spirit, indomitable will, and the strength of solidarity of the Vietnamese people in the cause of building and defending the country. The festival also carries profound educational values, helping younger generations better understand the history, culture, and heroic traditions of their ancestors, thereby fostering national pride and a sense of responsibility to protect the Fatherland.
On November 16, 2010, in Nairobi, Kenya, UNESCO officially recognized the Giong Festival at Phu Dong and Soc temples as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This event is not only a great honor for Vietnam but also an affirmation of the global value of the festival, a unique and meaningful cultural symbol of humanity. UNESCO’s recognition further motivates the local community and authorities at all levels to join hands in preserving and promoting the value of the Soc Son Giong Festival, ensuring this cultural heritage will last forever.
Opening ceremony of the Giong Festival at Soc Son with traditional Ao Dai costumes
Exploring the Main Rituals of the Soc Son Giong Festival
The Soc Son Giong Festival takes place from the 6th day of the Lunar New Year annually and lasts for 3 days at the Soc Temple historical site. The festival includes many unique traditional rituals, meticulously prepared by the local community.
Khai Quang Rite (Statue Bathing): The opening ritual of the main festival day is the Khai Quang rite, also known as the statue bathing ceremony of Saint Giong. This ritual usually takes place at midnight on the 5th, dawn of the 6th, with the meaning of cleansing and purifying the statue of the Saint, preparing for the important rituals that follow.
Procession Rite: The procession rite is one of the most solemn rituals of the festival, taking place on the 6th day. The procession with colorful traditional costumes, flags, flower palanquins, and solemn festival music escorts offerings from the village communal house to Soc Temple. The procession not only recreates the majesty of Saint Giong but also expresses the sincerity and gratitude of the people towards the national hero.
Incense Offering Rite: After the procession, delegations and pilgrims from all directions will perform the incense offering rite at the Upper Temple, where Saint Giong is worshiped. The incense offering rite is a ritual to express sincerity, gratitude for the merits of Saint Giong, and to pray for a new year of peace, favorable weather, and bountiful harvests. The offerings are usually local products, showing respect for traditional cultural values.
Offerings are carefully and solemnly prepared to offer to Saint Giong
Bamboo Flower Offering and General Beheading Rite: A special highlight on the main festival day of the 6th is the bamboo flower offering and general beheading rite. Bamboo flowers, made from long bamboo trees, symbolizing Saint Giong’s weapons, are offered at Soc Temple. After the flower offering, bamboo is thrown out in front of the temple yard for festival-goers to take for good luck and fortune. This is followed by the general beheading ritual, performed by beheading a statue, reenacting the scene of Saint Giong using bamboo sticks to kill the Thach Linh invaders’ general, demonstrating the nation’s glorious victorious spirit.
Unique Experiences and Activities at the Soc Son Giong Festival
In addition to the solemn rituals, the Soc Son Giong Festival also attracts visitors with its lively and bustling festival atmosphere with many unique cultural, artistic, and folk games activities.
Folk Games: Throughout the festival days, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional cultural space with folk games such as chess, chicken fighting, Ca Tru singing, Cheo singing, swings, blindfolded goat catching, etc. These games not only bring joy and relaxation but also are opportunities for visitors to learn more about Vietnamese folk culture.
“Lucky Grabbing” Custom: One of the most unique and impressive customs at the Soc Son Giong Festival is the “lucky grabbing” custom. After the bamboo flower offering, lucky bamboo trees will be thrown out for people to scramble to grab, hoping for good luck and fortune. The “lucky grabbing” custom demonstrates martial spirit, agility, dexterity, and also carries strong spiritual and religious elements of the people. However, to ensure safety, visitors should observe and consider carefully before participating in this custom.
The vibrant and bustling atmosphere of recreational activities at the Soc Son Giong Festival
Festival Cuisine: Coming to the Soc Son Giong Festival, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties of Soc Son land and traditional dishes in the festival space. Rustic dishes, rich in local flavors, will contribute to enriching visitors’ cultural experiences.
Notes when participating in the festival: To have a complete and meaningful experience at the Soc Son Giong Festival, visitors should note the following:
- Time: The festival takes place from the 6th to the 8th day of the Lunar New Year. Be proactive in finding out the detailed schedule to participate at the right time for the main rituals.
- Dress code: Should choose polite, discreet clothing, suitable for the sacred space of the festival.
- Maintain hygiene: The festival usually attracts a large number of visitors, so be conscious of maintaining general hygiene, disposing of trash in the right places.
- Security: Pay attention to personal belongings, avoid letting thieves take advantage of pickpocketing and theft. Be especially careful when participating in the “lucky grabbing” custom to ensure personal safety.
- Respect for culture: When participating in the festival, show respect for the rituals, customs, and traditional culture of the locality.
Scene of preparing a large roasted pig for the festival, showing the thoughtfulness of the people
Offerings are prepared and offered on the 5th day of the Lunar New Year
Reenactment of Saint Giong fighting invaders with bamboo sticks
The lucky grabbing custom takes place boisterously and sometimes chaotically
Other Giong Festivals in Hanoi: Comparison and Contrast
Hanoi is not only famous for the Soc Son Giong Festival but also has many other Giong festivals, each festival has its own unique characteristics, reflecting the diversity and richness of Vietnamese folk culture. Besides the Soc Son and Phu Dong Giong Festivals recognized by UNESCO, some other typical Giong festivals in Hanoi can be mentioned such as:
Chi Nam Giong Festival (Sen Ho village, Gia Lam): Taking place on the 8th day of the Fourth Lunar Month, the Chi Nam Giong Festival is also known as the Phu Giong festival. This festival commemorates the merits of Mr. Hien Cong, who contributed to fighting the An invaders on the Duong River. The Chi Nam Giong Festival is unique with the “coconut grabbing” game and the reenactment of Mr. Hien Cong’s victory in the form of a play between two armies.
Sword dance in Chi Nam Giong Festival
Xuan Dinh Giong Festival (Xuan Tao village, Tu Liem): Organized on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, the Xuan Dinh Giong Festival is associated with the legend of Saint Giong stopping to rest at Cao village (Xuan Tao) on his way back to heaven. This festival focuses on recreating and honoring historical traces related to Saint Giong in the locality.
Bo Dau Giong Festival (Bo Dau village, Thuong Tin): Taking place on the 8th day of the Lunar New Year, the Bo Dau Giong Festival reenacts the legend of Saint Giong subduing the water monster on the Red River and saving his mother. The festival is highlighted by a stick competition, simulating the scene of Saint Giong fighting invaders with bamboo sticks.
Colorful costumes in the Giong Festivals in Hanoi
Reenactment of Saint Giong riding a horse flying to heaven
Conclusion
The Soc Son Giong Festival is not only a traditional cultural event but also a spiritual symbol, a priceless heritage of Hanoi and Vietnam. With profound historical, cultural, and spiritual values, this festival deserves to be an attractive destination for visitors who want to explore and experience Vietnamese culture. Come to Soc Son in early spring to immerse yourself in the bustling festival atmosphere, learn about unique cultural traditions, and feel the martial spirit and indomitable will of the Vietnamese people. The Soc Son Giong Festival will surely bring you memorable experiences and unforgettable memories in your journey to discover Vietnamese culture.