On the morning of February 24, (January 2 of the lunar calendar), the Fishing Ceremony and launching of the new 15 sea season at Canh Duong sea village, Quang Trach district, Quang Binh province, attracted a large number of people and tourists. family.

Mr. Ho Quang Huong, Chairman of the ceremony, said: "This fishing ceremony has been held since ancient times by our ancestors on the full moon day of November, called the Opening Ceremony. After the reform period, the ceremony was held at the beginning of the year on the full moon day of January every year to let fishermen go out to catch seafood at the beginning of the year.

With a history of nearly 400 years, Canh Duong coastal village is considered a land of spiritual masterpieces. Not only famous for Canh Duong mural village, this land also has many differences compared to other coastal villages in the country.

Fishing festival at Ngu Linh Mieu, Canh Duong commune. Photo: VOV

From early morning, boat owners, fishermen and people as well as tourists gathered at Ngu Linh Mieu and Cau Ngu temple in front of Canh Duong coastal village to offer incense and offerings to the Ngu God. Fishermen believe that whales are fish that repeatedly help boats avoid sinking in storms, and the custom of worshiping whales with reverence originates from there.

At the fishing ceremony, the elders and fishermen in the village pray for a year of good rain and wind, a bountiful sea season, and safe fishing for fishermen.

Mr. Nguyen Van Cuong, 60 years old, in Thuong Giang village, Canh Duong commune, Quang Trach district, said that after the fishing ceremony, fishermen with offshore boats all went out to open the sea, starting the fishing season in the new year: “Today's holiday is very important, it is an opportunity to go out and fight to start the year. All boats, from fishing in open areas to offshore areas, go out to sea to fish, praying that heaven, earth, and the sea will bless the coastal people to do well."

The most important ritual part of the Ngu festival is when the most prestigious elder in the village offers incense and recites the Than Ngu inscription. The essay must express gratitude for the protection and support of Ca Ong and Ca Ba to fishermen during sea trips, as well as the fishermen's prayers and wishes for a peaceful, rainy sea season. The weather is favorable, the sea is calm, the shrimp and fish are full, the crops are lush, and life is prosperous and happy. The ceremony ends with a folk song and dance performance. After the ceremony, fishing boats in the commune will prepare to go out to sea to catch seafood at the beginning of the year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tran Quang Trung, Vice Chairman of Quang Trach District People's Committee emphasized: Canh Duong commune's Cau Ngu Festival is a traditional festival imbued with the cultural identity of the coastal people, and has important significance. in educating and fostering love for the homeland and the spirit of community cohesion. Festivals are spiritual cultural activities; Remember the virtues of Ca Ong and Ca Ba, pray for calm weather, good weather, good harvest of fish and shrimp, prosperous, peaceful and happy villages...

After the fishing ceremony, fishermen prepare their fishing gear and get ready to go out on the first sea voyage of the year. Photo: VOV

“The fishing festival is an opportunity for thousands of fishermen in Canh Duong coastal village as well as coastal communes in Quang Binh province to show their determination to unite, maintain the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland, and protect marine resources. even for future generations,” Mr. Trung said.

Source: https://www.vietnam.vn/