Image: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain/CC0)
TL;DR: The Seal Opening Ceremony at Tran Temple is held at the Ty hour (11:15 PM) on the 15th day of the first lunar month in Nam Định, to honor the Tran kings and pray for a peaceful and lucky new year. The central ritual involves a procession of the seal palanquin from Cố Trạch Temple to Thiên Trường Temple.
What is the Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony?
The Seal Opening Ceremony at Tran Temple is a special festival passed down through generations, closely associated with the Tran Dynasty and precious historical and cultural values of the Vietnamese nation. It is one of the most important rituals during the New Year in Nam Định.
What is the origin of the Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony?
The ceremony carries multiple layers of meaning. First, it is an occasion for people to express gratitude and reverence to the Tran Dynasty, which contributed to protecting and developing the country in the 13th-14th centuries. The ritual is also considered the "issuance of the royal seal" at the beginning of the year, praying for national peace and prosperity.
Through the festival, people are reminded of moral qualities, the tradition of studiousness, and diligence, preserving the spirit of "accumulating boundless blessings". The festival also evokes pride in the Dong A spirit and a dynasty that thrice defeated the Mongol invaders.
What happens during the Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony?
According to tradition, the ceremony takes place during the Ty hour, the most sacred time of the 15th night of the first lunar month. The ritual sequence is performed solemnly:
- 10:15 PM to 10:40 PM: Elders of Lộc Vượng ward, along with local authorities and citizens, offer incense and gifts at Thiên Trường Temple.
- 10:40 PM to 11:10 PM: The seal palanquin procession moves from Cố Trạch Temple (dedicated to national hero Trần Hưng Đạo) to Thiên Trường Temple.
- 11:15 PM: The seal opening ritual and reading of eulogy officially begin, marking the most anticipated moment.
The procession includes many young people, representing the youth of Nam Định City, creating a connection between generations in preserving cultural heritage.
How is the Tran Temple Seal Opening Festival organized?
The ceremony takes place in a solemn atmosphere with the presence of central and local leaders. All participants respectfully offer incense to honor the Tran kings and the spirit of "remembering the source when drinking water".
Notably, organization has been tightened to ensure solemnity and safety. Nam Định Provincial Police and volunteer teams implemented measures for security, traffic control, and fire prevention. Five security barriers were set up at the temple area, with about 2,500 officers mobilized for the festival.
Under shimmering lights and thick incense smoke, locals and pilgrims patiently queue to pay respects. Many prepared tents to stay overnight waiting for the seal. For young first-time attendees, this is not just a spiritual ritual but an opportunity to understand more about national history and culture.
What is the cultural value of the Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony?
The ceremony is a highlight in the spiritual cultural life of Vietnamese people. It contributes to preserving traditional values and evokes national pride. Maintaining and promoting these values is a shared responsibility, making the ceremony a meaningful cultural rendezvous each spring.
The festival also promotes Nam Định's image and boosts cultural and spiritual tourism in Ninh Bình province (formerly Nam Định province).
The sequence and timing of the main rituals of the Khai an (Seal Opening) Festival at Đền Trần according to the article.
| Time | Ritual | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 22:15 to 22:40 | Offering incense, offering offerings | Đền Thiên Trường |
| 22:40 to 23:10 | Procession of the Seal Palanquin | From Đền Cố Trạch to Đền Thiên Trường |
| 23:15 | Opening the seal and offering the Chuc van |
