Hanoi (VNA) – Traditional rituals for the Lunar New Year (Tet) werere-enacted at the Thang Long royal citadel relic site in Hanoi on January 26,giving participants a glimpse at the Tet celebrations of the royals in thepast.
Therituals started with the farewellceremony for Ong Cong –Ong Tao (the Land Genie andthe Kitchen Gods), who were said to go to Heaven to deliver an annualreport on the household’s activities to the God of Heaven, along with therelease of carps for the genies to ride on their trip.
Anincense offering rite was conducted at the Kinh Thien (Respect for Heaven)Palace, and a Neu pole was erected at the Doan Mon yard.
There-enactment of Tet rituals marked the start of a range of activities at therelic site, designed to give visitors a chance to enjoy the old Tet atmospherewith unique Spring customs of the nation.
Adisplay space dedicated to Tet has been opened at the site, along with Tetmarkets, folk games, calligraphy and water puppetry performances.
Therelic site will close on the last two days of the old lunar year and the firstday of the Year of the Pig, which fall on January 26, 27 and 28.-VNA



