At 4am on April 12, 2015 (the 24th day of the second month according to the lunar calendar), the Xa Tac Ritual was solemnly held at the Xa Tac Esplanade in Hue Citadel, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre (HMCC). Attending the ritual were authorities of Thua Thien Hue Province and Hue with local residents. This year, Thua Thien Hue Provincial Party Committee’s Secretary Nguyen Ngoc Thien was in charge of presiding over the ritual. After the official rites, residents and visitors started offering incense and praying for good luck.
The Xa Tac Ritual is the worshipping ceremony dedicated to the genies of Earth (Xa) and Rice (Tac). It was one of the imperial ceremonies held during the Nguyen Dynasty to pray for peace, prosperity, favourable weather conditions and bumper crops. In the past, the Xa Tac Ritual was held twice a year in spring and autumn with the king serving as the presiding celebrant. At present, the ritual is held once a year in spring. It is regarded as one of the most important rituals, ranking second only to the Nam Giao Worshipping Ceremony (worshipping for Heaven and Earth) at the Nam Giao Esplanade.
Story: Thanh Hoa – Photos: Hoang Ha
People attending the ritual wear the traditional costumes of Ao dai and scarves on their heads.
Burning votive paper offerings after the ritual.
Foreign cultural experts observe the Xa Tac Ritual.
The gate to the Xa Tac Esplanade is splendidly decorated.
The incense offering rite.
A panoramic view of the Xa Tac Esplanade in the early morning rain.
The presiding celebrant kneels and bows in front of the altar.
The court music ensemble.
The offerings consist of goats, buffalos and pigs.
The rite of reading prayer words.
The Hue Provincial Party Committee’s Party Secretary Nguyen Ngoc Thien serves as the presiding celebrant of the Xa Tac Ritual 2015.
Traditional lanterns are decorated at the Xa Tac Esplanade.