Buzz
Since the Lunar New Year, thousands have flocked to Tan Son village, Tan Dinh commune, Lang Giang district, to witness and pay homage to a serpent believed to be a divine entity. What lies behind the tale of the serpent deity?
The manifestation of the serpent deity is behind Tan Ninh temple, an ancient and historically significant temple. The previously vacant land has transformed, adorned with altars and incense burners since the serpent's appearance. The serpent's den lies beneath a crumbling wall, surrounded by five withered trees, each approximately 40cm in diameter.
Arriving around 10 am on March 11, we observed many astonished onlookers. The timing was impeccable as it was the Snake Hour, the auspicious moment for the serpent's appearance. Approximately 30-40 people had gathered around the serpent's den. Some elders even brought betel leaves and a filtered water jug for everyone to share.
In front of the den, 4-5 individuals were standing with folded hands, inviting the apparent divine presence. Pictures of the serpent deity in various poses and positions adorned the trees around the entrance, elegantly framed in wood.
Some individuals present mentioned traveling from as far as Bac Giang city, Bac Ninh, and neighboring districts like Yen Dung and Luc Nam upon hearing about the serpent deity's appearance. However, not everyone had the chance to witness the serpent deity, as it doesn't manifest every day. Around 10:30 am, as the sun began to shine brightly, joyous cheers erupted: The serpent deity has appeared!
Surrounded by an eager crowd at the mouth of the cave, we noticed a slender golden-brown snake, approximately 80 cm long with a small head, slowly slithering out from the depths of the small cave at the base of the wall. Many people took out their phones to capture the moment. The snake silently crawled out and stretched along the wall.
An elderly man introduced himself as the 'village elder' and stood up to perform some kind of ritual. After that, everyone lined up to bow, placing money on the altar. Some even asked the old man for blessings from the snake deity and sought luck.
According to Mr. Hòa, the man who identified himself as the 'village elder,' the snake deity appeared on the first day of the Lunar New Year. On the second day, when someone came to transport a pile of sand near the deity's abode, the car suddenly couldn't start (?).
The snake deity is quite spiritual. Those who come to see and disbelieve, speaking ill of the deity, will dream at night of two figures holding sticks on either side of their bed, urinating all over the bed. Peace only comes when they bring offerings here for gratitude,' - recounted an old man.
During our discussion, Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, Chairman of the People's Committee, and Mr. Ngo Khai Hoan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tan Dinh commune, revealed that the snake found resembles a water snake or a mouse-catching snake, but its specific species remains uncertain. Since the beginning of this year, the commune has been aware of this phenomenon and has issued warnings to all party secretaries, village leaders, and departments in the commune, emphasizing that this is a superstitious and irrational occurrence.
Exploiting this phenomenon, some spiritual practitioners from various places have attempted to gather here, but we are resolutely preventing such activities. We have also instructed the police to closely monitor the area and put up signs prohibiting large gatherings,” Mr. Ha stated.
According to Mr. Ngo Khai Hoan, the government's measures have had a significant impact. The number of people coming to witness and worship here has decreased significantly compared to the previous period. As of March 8, thousands of people have visited the snake deity, contributing over 20 million VND in offerings on the altar.
The entire amount is currently being carefully held by Tan Ninh Pagoda. Although some villagers have expressed intentions to build shrines, the government is steadfast in not allowing it. 'However, it may take some time to completely eradicate this situation,' Mr. Hoan added.
Source: Tiền Phong
MytourOn March 14, 2013
