Discover the Song Temple festival, a sacred atmosphere in the heart of Thanh Hoa

1. Festival of Song Temple - Reasons for community attraction

Song Son Temple, located in the Quang Trung ward, Thanh Hoa province, is one of the most prominent places of worship for the Holy Mother in Northern Vietnam. Its convenient location right beside National Highway 1A makes it easy for tourists to travel, and the space here is rich in the cultural colors of the Thanh region. The Festival of Song Temple plays an important role in spiritual life, serving as an occasion for people to express their gratitude to the Holy Mother and strengthen community bonds.

Den Song Son Temple is one of the most prominent places of worship for Mother Goddesses in Northern Vietnam. (Source: Collected)

The special feature of the festival is the maintenance of the Mother Goddess worship belief, an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. Here, Thanh Mau Lieu Hanh is solemnly worshipped, one of the Tu Bat Tu of Vietnamese folklore, meaning to protect and bless all people. Therefore, the festival of Den Song Temple becomes a place for meeting and exchanging values of communities practicing the Mother Goddess faith from many regions.

The attraction of the festival of Den Song Temple comes not only from the sacred space, large event scale, and traditional rituals, but also thanks to the festival part that brings a vibrant atmosphere and diverse cultural activities. Visitors can learn about traditional culture, have the opportunity to enjoy local products, and explore historical sites associated with King Quang Trung. Folk games along with the sacred space contribute to creating a deep impression for anyone who has set foot in this place.

2. Origin and spiritual significance of the festival of Den Song Temple

2.1. Su tich Thanh Mau Lieu Hanh and the worship of Mother Goddesses at Den Song Temple

According to legends passed down in folklore, Thanh Mau Lieu Hanh is one of the sacred Tu Bat Tu of Vietnamese spiritual culture. It is said that Thanh Mau once manifested at Den Song Temple, helping to resolve disasters for the people, teaching how to grow mulberry and raise silkworms, and encouraging an honest life. Stories about the miraculousness of Thanh Mau have made Den Song Temple a major center of worship in the Mother Goddess faith.

Stories about the divine efficacy of the Holy Mother have made Song Temple a major center of worship in Dao Mau belief. (Source: Collected)

Here, Dao Mau emphasizes the role of the mother, protection, care, and sharing, reflecting the will and spiritual strength of Vietnamese women. Hat Chau Van art and Len Dong rituals held during the Song Temple festival play a role in connecting the community with its spiritual roots, both praying for peace and expressing gratitude to the Mother. The resonant singing and sacred gestures of the 'ba dong' (female mediums) create a captivating and unique festival atmosphere.

2.2. Historical and Hero Commemoration Values at the Festival

Besides its spiritual significance, the Song Temple festival is also an occasion to commemorate the merits of King Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue. According to historical records, this hero once stopped at Ba Doi Pass to recruit troops, train soldiers, and discuss plans before advancing to Thang Long. These historical traces have enriched the local cultural value.

The harmonious combination of the Mother worship belief and the commemoration of national heroes has brought depth to the festival. As a result, the Song Temple festival is not only a spiritual event but also a place to preserve and promote patriotic traditions, clearly reflecting the cultural characteristics of the North Central region of Vietnam.

3. Unique Experiences at the Song Temple Festival

3.1. Traditional Rituals at the Song Temple Festival

The Song Temple festival begins with the procession of the Holy Mother's effigy, a solemn atmosphere pervades as the Holy Mother's palanquin moves from Song Temple to Chin Gieng Temple. The procession includes 'ba dong' (female mediums), 'thanh dong' (male mediums), and numerous devotees, forming a vibrant and sacred procession scene. The resounding sounds of drums and gongs blend with steady footsteps, creating a sacred rhythm throughout the journey.

Next is the incense offering and peace prayer ceremony before the main altar, with complete and meticulous offerings. The prayers convey wishes for a new year of prosperity and peace, adding to the solemn atmosphere. A few days before the main ceremony, the water procession and statue bathing ritual takes place, using water from the stream in front of Chin Gieng Temple, symbolizing purity and praying for bountiful harvests.

The 'ba dong' and their associations play an indispensable role throughout the festival season. Usually unmarried women who voluntarily wish to serve the Holy Mother, they undertake the 'Len Dong' and 'hau bong' rituals. Each association has its own regulations, and the 'ba dong' strictly adhere to a restricted lifestyle, fasting and maintaining purity during the Song Temple festival.

3.2. Festival Activities: Immersing in the Characteristic Cultural Atmosphere

The festival's celebratory part begins with vibrant lion dance performances, bringing a joyful and bustling atmosphere. (Source: Collected)

Festivals contribute to enriching the spiritual life of the people and promoting the beautiful image of the locality to more people. (Source: Collected)

The event space extends from the main temple area to the surrounding areas, making it easy for visitors to participate. The well-organized event, with close coordination between relevant agencies and units, ensures the festival takes place safely, solemnly, and meaningfully. The Song Temple Festival is increasingly becoming a source of pride for the local people, and is also one of the attractive destinations for those interested in spiritual culture.

4.2. Offerings and Specialty Cakes of Thanh Hoa to Worship Saint Mother

The offerings for the Song Temple Festival include fruits, sticky rice with chicken, and many types of traditional cakes and candies, all carefully prepared. In the Quang Trung - Thanh Hoa region, women personally make many characteristic cakes such as banh chung, banh la rang bừa, banh nếp, banh mật and banh trôi to offer to Saint Mother. Each type of cake embodies the feelings and sincere intentions of its maker.

The offering trays are arranged solemnly, representing the offering of the finest products from heaven and earth to Saint Mother. Each dish and item carries wishes for peace and luck for the entire community. The meticulous and thorough preparation of offerings reflects the people's sincere devotion and respect for the Song Temple Festival .

5. Notes and Tips for Attending the Song Temple Festival

5.1. Tips on Attire, Cultural Etiquette, and Advice for Visitors

When attending the Song Temple Festival , visitors should choose attire appropriate for the sacred space, dressing modestly and in light colors, avoiding overly short clothing when entering the temple area. It is advisable not to bring young children into the main ritual areas to maintain solemnity and ensure their safety. Attention to dress code shows respect for the traditions and spiritual values of the festival.

During the festival, visitors should maintain order, avoid crowding, and refrain from using impolite language. Visitors should behave politely and respectfully towards the mediums (ba đồng) and members of the association. When preparing offerings, bring a moderate amount of flowers, fruits, or cakes, limit the use of votive paper, and do not place cash directly on the altar.

5.2. Suggested Itinerary for Combined Experiences When Visiting Bim Son

Visit the temple scenery, participate in the procession and festival activities at the Temple of Song festival. (Source: Collected)

A suitable itinerary when visiting the Temple of Song festival can start in the morning with offering incense, visiting the temple scenery, participating in the procession, and festival activities. In the afternoon, you can combine visiting the Sam Son beach square, which often hosts festivals, music events, sports, and large-scale community activities, or explore nearby attractions such as Cam Luong fish stream, Tien Son cave, to make the trip more rich and diverse.

Local cuisine is also a highlight with dishes such as nem chua, Tu Tru's gai cake, rustic and attractive banh rang thua. Eateries around Bim Son town or the Sam Son culinary area always offer many delicious and reasonably priced options, helping you enjoy local specialties while immersing yourself in the cultural atmosphere of Thanh Hoa.

The Temple of Song festival stands out with its deep spiritual value, high community spirit, and grand scale, creating a unique opportunity to experience the quintessence of culture and the largest Mother Goddess worship belief in the North. This is a meaningful spring travel opportunity to learn about historical sites, immerse yourself in traditional art spaces worth exploring. Come and share sacred feelings with the community in a sacred atmosphere in the heart of Thanh Hoa!