Nghinh Ong Phu Quoc Festival is one of the most unique and important festivals of the people on the pearl island. This long-standing and beautiful culture has made many visitors to Phu Quoc fall in love with the festivals in Phu Quoc in addition to the beautiful landscapes here.
1. What is Phu Quoc Nghinh Ong Festival? What time does it take place?
Origin of Phu Quoc Nghinh Ong festival
Nghinh Ong Festival is the biggest water festival of fishermen and is called by many different names in each region such as "Ong" fish sacrifice ceremony, "Ong" fish sacrifice ceremony, "Ong" worshiping ceremony, "Ong" worshiping ceremony, and "Ong" ceremony. "Ong" ceremony, "Ong" ceremony,... However, they all carry the concept that "Ong" fish is a sacred creature in the sea, the patron god of fishermen and fishermen. on the sea.
In fact, the belief in worshiping whales and whales has been passed down for a long time in the spiritual and cultural life of coastal villagers. The fishermen's custom of worshiping the Ong fish originates from the concept that the Ong fish saves sea people when fishing offshore when they unfortunately encounter bad weather such as hurricanes or storms.
According to history, the Ong fish sacrifice day originated from the Cham people's custom of worshiping Ong fish. This custom was introduced into our country very early, through cultural interference, until now the custom of worshiping Ong fish has become an important belief of both Vietnamese and Chinese people. Over the course of time, this worship custom has become a unique cultural feature of Vietnam in general and Phu Quoc island in particular, meaning to pray for calm seas, favorable weather, and good weather for fishermen. good luck and have a prosperous and happy life.
When is Phu Quoc Nghinh Ong Festival held? Where?
Phu Quoc Nghinh Ong Festival is held on the island on the 15th and 16th of the 8th lunar month every year. The festival usually lasts about 3 days including both onshore and underwater activities. If visitors intend to come to worship or offer ceremonies and experience the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, they should come on the first day. Because the next days of the festival will be mainly exchange activities, the atmosphere will be more bustling and bustling.
2. Meaning of Nghinh Ong festival in Phu Quoc
Like fishermen in other coastal areas, the image of Nghinh Ong festival has long been deep in the subconscious of Phu Quoc people. This is a custom for fishermen to remember and worship the sacred "Lord Fish", the god who, in the belief of local people, protects and protects them every time they go out to sea.
Therefore, the meaning of Nghinh Ong festival is to pray for calm sea waves, favorable weather, and that every time fishermen go offshore to fish, they can catch a big catch of fish quickly and smoothly. return to the mainland, have good luck and have a prosperous and happy life.
3. Discover the unique features of Nghinh Ong Phu Quoc festival
The palanquin procession of the Nam Hai General
The procession of the Nam Hai General's palanquin is the first activity in the ceremony part of the festival ritual. The palanquin procession is organized lavishly and solemnly to recreate the scene of the Nam Hai general getting off the dragon boat to the sea. Along the procession route, people living on the sea will display offerings and the smoke of incense to welcome them. In addition, along with the dragon boat carrying the general, there are also hundreds of boats of different sizes, splendidly decorated, with bright flags and flowers accompanying him to the sea to welcome him. In particular, in front of each boat are incense burners and offering trays, carrying thousands of guests participating in the procession. Finally, the procession returns to the wharf where it started, taking him to Mr. Thuy General's mausoleum (if there is one in that locality). Right at the wharf, lion and dragon dance troupes were waiting to welcome him back to the mausoleum.
Ceremony part
Following the palanquin procession is the sacrificial ceremony, which takes place solemnly with traditional rituals and the participation of a large number of local people in the coastal area. Rituals to pray for peace, sing boi songs, and build dai boi take place at Mr. Thuy Tuong's mausoleum,... making the ceremony to honor him more solemn.
Assembly part
After the solemn ceremony, there is a joyful and bustling festival. At this time, people will celebrate the success of the Nghinh Ong ceremony. Hundreds of boats and fishing boats of fishermen decorated with bright flags and flowers line up moored in the river. All prepared for all the rituals to welcome him on shore along with solemn sacrifices. At this time, the whole Phu Quoc island shimmers with the same blue color as the sea water. The sound of trumpets and drums echoed loudly and loudly. The ceremony also has many interesting folk games such as boi singing, boat racing, duck catching, crab tying...
4. Note when going to Nghinh Ong Phu Quoc festival
If you have the opportunity to travel to Phu Quoc island, Nghinh Ong festival is a festival that you cannot miss. However, to have a meaningful and memorable trip in harmony with the solemn and bustling atmosphere of the festival, you should "pocket" the following notes:
-ย ย Find a place to stay, book air tickets in advance
-ย ย Choose comfortable clothes
-ย ย Protect and keep personal belongings carefully
-ย ย If you have time, you should learn about the history and origins of the festival in advance to avoid surprises when visiting.
-ย ย Dress discreetly, neatly and politely when participating in the festival
-ย ย The festival is crowded so do not bring valuables