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When you visit Vung Tau in the ninth lunar month, you can join the Trung Cuu Festival. This annual event, organized to wish for peace, health, and happiness for the local people, is a Vung Tau festival that is not ostentatious but deeply reverent, showcasing the cultural aspects of the Tran sect, a unique religious sect in Vung Tau.
The Birth of a Remarkable Vung Tau Festival
Generations in Vung Tau pass down the origin of the Trung Cuu festival – a Vung Tau festival commemorating Mr. Tran. Legend has it that in the distant past, Long Son commune had Mr. Le Van Muu, who participated in the anti-French resistance. Despite the failure of the uprising, Mr. Le Van Muu took his family to hide in the eastern part of Nua Mountain, establishing the Bà Trao hamlet (now Long Son commune).
Here, he constructed the Grand House, a place for worshiping Buddha, deities, and saints. Notably, he built houses for temporary residents. Consequently, Long Son soon became a thriving place, attracting settlers to establish their livelihoods and gradually becoming lively and bustling.
During his lifetime, Mr. Le Van Muu led a simple life, tying his hair, walking barefoot, and working tirelessly. Therefore, locals commonly referred to him as Mr. Tran. When he passed away, the people in this Vung Tau tourist destination developed a folk belief known as the Tran sect or the Grand House sect.
Every year, on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, the people of Long Son and those who follow the Tran sect gather at the Grand House for prayers and to commemorate the merits of establishing the hamlet by Mr. Tran. Since the event is organized on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, the festival is named Trung Cuu.
Nowadays, tourists visiting Vung Tau during the Trung Cuu festival often take the time to participate in this remarkable celebration and explore a humble folk belief with humanistic values. Visitors can also explore the architectural ensemble of the Grand House – a renowned Vung Tau sightseeing spot.
Discover the Sacred and Unique Rituals of the Trung Cuu Festival
Known as a festival rooted in folk beliefs, the Trung Cuu Festival always leans towards goodness. Participating in this Vung Tau festival, tourists will sense the respect and reverence of each local.
The Tran sect is a belief system aimed at goodness. Therefore, its followers always orient themselves towards goodness and remember the contributions of their ancestors in the early days of land cultivation and village establishment.
Starting several days before the Vung Tau festival takes place, locals come to the Grand House to clean and tidy up all six surrounding streets, providing a resting place for visitors. Distant guests arriving for the Trung Cuu festival will be arranged free accommodation.
The ancient houses are adorned with long, red square banners. According to locals, the tradition of writing banners dates back hundreds of years, since Mr. Tran arrived at the Grand House and expanded the Long Son land.
Without singing or dancing, without elaborate ceremonies, the Trung Cuu Festival only features lines of people respectfully offering incense and prayers. However, it is precisely this simplicity that attracts thousands of believers and tourists each year. The entire festival lasts only two days, dedicated to offering both salty and vegetarian sacrifices.
On the 8th day of the 9th lunar month, people at Vung Tau tourist destination will conduct the Salt Offering Ceremony. This ceremony involves offering various salty items – products brought by local residents from different places.
During Trung Cuu, you will easily distinguish between international visitors and those who follow the Tran sect. The followers of the Tran sect wear black traditional clothing, onion-shaped hair buns, walk barefoot, mimicking the simple style of Mr. Tran during his lifetime.
On September 9th, the commemoration ceremony takes place in a unique way, known as a vegetarian memorial, where only vegetarian offerings are presented. Tourists and locals following the teachings from Vũng Tàu, Bình Dương, Đồng Nai, Tiền Giang, Bến Tre... come together to offer incense, pray for peace, and sincerely remember the virtuous deeds of Mr. Trần.
When traveling to Vũng Tàu in September according to the lunar calendar, don't miss out on this fascinating Vũng Tàu festival. During the Trùng Cửu festival, you will immerse yourself in the unique architecture of the Grand House and, along with visitors from various places, gain insights into a profound and simple folk belief.
