Exploring Customs and Traditions Surrounding the Hat-Making Village.

"On the tenth, visit Chuong Fair,
Watch human chess, and see who cooks the best rice."

Introduction

"Every country has its laws, and every village has its customs." This principle has guided communities throughout the ages, promoting prosperity and peace within villages. After our country was liberated from foreign invaders, Chuong village reflected on its ancestral customs. Practices that remain relevant are preserved and enhanced, while outdated ones are discarded in favor of social progress.

Local Culture and Traditions

First, let's delve into the most beautiful aspects of this ancient village's culture!

Longevity Celebrations

Celebrating longevity is a cherished tradition in our nation: "Respect the elderly! The elderly bring wisdom!" From now on, individuals who reach 70 years old receive a longevity certificate, and those who turn 80 receive a special blessing. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the elderly association of Phuong Trung organizes a celebration at the village temple. Those aged 80 wear red robes and scarves as they walk from their homes to the temple to participate in the ceremony. The elderly association presents a longevity certificate in an elegant frame.

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In Chuong village, elders are honored with poems and couplets written on red paper, avoiding extravagant scrolls to prevent waste.

Countless Festivals

When discussing Chuong, one cannot overlook its distinctive and rich festivals! Festivals are a traditional cultural hallmark. Each year, on the 10th day of the third lunar month, Chuong hosts a major village festival, marked by incense offerings, rituals, and processions. However, processions only occur in leap years; in other years, rituals and incense offerings are held instead.

• March 9 (Lunar Calendar): Evening rituals.
• March 10: Male rituals at the village temple.
• March 11: Female rituals at the Mother Goddess temple.
• October 25: The flag-raising ceremony at the Thuong Temple takes place. 
• Other festivals, such as the spring rituals on the 1st day of the second lunar month, involve only offerings. 
• On the birthdays of local deities, offerings of incense and flowers are made, while on the death anniversaries, written tributes are presented. 

The most Special Festivals

Chuong village celebrates a major festival annually:

 March 10: Traditional Village Festival.

During the festival, various recreational activities are organized, such as human chess and rice cooking contests, which have gained national recognition and are reflected in folk sayings:

"On the tenth, visit Chuong Fair,

Watch human chess, and see who cooks the best rice."

"Mùng mười đi chợ Chuông chơi

Xem đánh cờ người, xem thổi cơm thi."

These activities are carefully organized, with proper awards for winners. Additional games like cockfighting and duck-catching may also be included, but all forms of gambling are strictly prohibited during the festival period.

Conclusion

The customs and festivals of Chuong village not only reflect its rich cultural heritage but also foster a sense of community and continuity among its residents.