On the morning of 4/3, the area around Chua Ong - Quan Cong Mieu at 24 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An Ward, was packed with people. A queue stretching nearly one kilometer formed along Tran Phu and Nguyen Hue streets, as individuals waited to offer incense and pray for blessings. Authorities organized two lines and directed traffic to ensure order and security.
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People queuing to enter Quan Cong Mieu to pray for blessings. *Photo: Nam De*
As morning progressed towards noon, the number of visitors increased, despite occasional light rain. Many arrived early to perform the ritual of touching the wooden horse statues in front of the shrine, believing it would bring "good health and fortune" for a prosperous new year.
Each horse deity worshipped here measures nearly 1.7 meters long and more than 2.4 meters tall, carved from a single block of wood. One is white, known as Bach Ma. The other is dark red, called Xich Tho. According to ancient lore, Xich Tho was the warhorse associated with Quan Cong, symbolizing integrity and loyalty, thus earning the reverence of the people.
Lu Van Cuong, 29, shared that he visits Chua Ong every year to seek blessings at the start of the year. "As a merchant, I pray for peace for my family and wish for smooth business operations", he stated.
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People touching the body of Xich Tho to pray for good luck. *Photo: Nam De*
According to Nguyen Tien, manager of Quan Cong Mieu, Hoi An residents do not crawl under the horse's belly, as is done in some southern regions. Instead, they touch the horse's body, neck, and legs, then stroke their own head and shoulders to invite good fortune.
Quan Cong Mieu was constructed by the Chinese community in 1653. It is dedicated to Quan Thanh De Quan (Quan Cong), who embodies loyalty, trustworthiness, integrity, and righteousness in East Asian culture.
The Lantern Festival in Hoi An was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2023. From 2/3 to 4/3, numerous traditional rituals took place at Chinese assembly halls, communal houses, and ancestral temples within the ancient town, attracting many locals and tourists.
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Tourists enjoying the lion dance parade through various ancient streets. *Photo: Nam De*
During this period, leaders from Da Nang city offered incense and participated in the parade through the ancient streets. Hoi An was illuminated with vibrant lanterns, hosting activities such as lion - unicorn - dragon dances, "bai choi" folk singing, and a reenactment of the ancient town's night in the early 20th century, creating a lively festive atmosphere to start the year.
Nguyen Dong
