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The annual Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony not only contributes to preserving and promoting the values of cultural heritage but also has profound educational significance about the nation's traditions.
Elderly people perform incense offering ritual before the opening ceremony. (Photo: Minh Quyet/VNA)
On the night of February 4 (January 14), at the Tran Temple - Thap Pagoda Historical and Cultural Relic Site (Loc Vuong Ward, Nam Dinh City, Nam Dinh Province), the Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony for the Year of the Cat 2023 took place.
This is an ancient custom maintained annually to commemorate the merits of the Tran kings; at the same time, educate future generations about the tradition of patriotism, fighting against foreign invaders, protecting and building the homeland.
Delivering a speech at the Seal Opening Ceremony, Chairman of Nam Dinh City People's Committee Pham Duy Hung affirmed the great contributions of the Tran Dynasty - one of the most prosperous dynasties in the feudal history of Vietnam with the bright Dong A spirit, defeating the Yuan-Mongol invaders three times. The Tran Kings had the merit of opening rivers, reclaiming seas, expanding borders, building the homeland, bringing happiness and prosperity to the people.
The Chairman of Nam Dinh City People's Committee emphasized that the annual Seal Opening Ceremony not only contributes to preserving and promoting the values of cultural heritage but also has a profound educational significance about the nation's moral tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source" for today's and future generations. This is also an opportunity to promote and introduce the beauty of Nam Dinh culture and people, contributing to promoting the socio-economic development of the province and Nam Dinh City.
Delegates attending the Seal Opening Ceremony. (Photo: Minh Quyet/VNA)
The seal-opening ceremony was held at the Trung Thien altar, Thien Truong temple with 14 elders of the Tran family in Tuc Mac village, Loc Vuong ward and representatives of some departments, branches and organizations witnessing the seal-opening ceremony (14 yellow paper seals). These seals were then offered to communal houses and pagodas in Loc Vuong ward. After completing the seal-opening ceremony, from 11:55 p.m., the temple door opened for people and visitors to come and celebrate the New Year. From 5 a.m. on January 15, the seals were distributed to people and visitors.
According to historical and cultural researchers, the Tran Temple seal opening ceremony has a great humanistic meaning, praying for world peace and prosperity. The Tran Dynasty seal is engraved with the words "Tran Dynasty Classic" and "Tich Phuc Vo Cuong." The essence of the four words "Tich Phuc Vo Cuong" on the seal is that the Tran Dynasty bestowed blessings on its descendants, taught its descendants, and all families to preserve moral qualities, accumulate blessings, and the more blessings, the more lasting the blessings.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Binh, Head of the Management Board of the Tran Temple - Thap Pagoda Historical and Cultural Relics, said that this year's Seal Opening Ceremony took place on the weekend, so the number of people and tourists coming to Tran Temple was very large. The festival's Organizing Committee has developed a plan to ensure security and order so that the festival can take place safely. Coming to Tran Temple, visitors not only satisfy their wishes for luck and blessings, but also admire the architectural works, documents, artifacts of the Tran Dynasty, valuable documents about 14 Tran Kings and Tran Dynasty generals...
Thousands of people and tourists had to stand outside all night waiting for the time to distribute the seals.
According to the reporter, to ensure safety for the Seal Opening Ceremony, the Organizing Committee set up a security fence far away from the area where the seal palanquin passed through to avoid people intentionally throwing money at the palanquin, creating an offensive image.
Nam Dinh Provincial Police have increased the number of officers and soldiers to ensure safety for the Seal Opening Ceremony, so security and order inside and outside the Tran Temple area are ensured, with no chaos.
To avoid traffic congestion, the authorities also organized traffic diversions for vehicles passing through Nam Dinh City during the Seal Opening and Distribution Ceremony.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Nam Trung, Head of Nam Dinh City Police, said that this year, the area of Tran Temple has been expanded, besides some unfinished items, there is also a deep lake with potential risks of accidents, so the organizing committee has come up with a rescue plan to prevent drowning.
Authorities will strictly handle acts of theft, pickpocketing, and disturbing public order; and advise tourists to strictly comply with regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control.
According to VNA
