The 7th day of the first lunar month - the opening ceremony, also known as the Neu tree lowering ceremony, closes the Lunar New Year atmosphere. At Voi Phuc Temple, crowds flock to offer incense and burn votive paper, praying for a year of favorable weather and family peace.
Voi Phuc Temple - Thu Le was built by King Ly Thanh Tong in the 7th year of Chuong Thanh Gia Khanh (1065), is a place to worship Saint Linh Lang Dai Vuong.
The temple is located in the west of the ancient Thang Long capital, belonging to the "Tam Trai" area - a sacred land that preserves many historical legends about the struggle against foreign invaders.
In terms of architecture, the temple is structured in the shape of the word "Cong", with 5 chamber walls for worship, showing the authority of the Holy House. Every year, 6 festivals take place here, of which the main festival is on the 10th day of the 2nd lunar month with the procession ceremony and worship ceremony of the Holy being extremely impressive.
This year, a large number of tourists have come to offer incense and prepare offerings with the wish for a new year of peace, abundant health, smooth work, and prosperous family.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Quynh (32 years old, living in Hanoi) said that every year she spends time going to spring festivals, not only at Voi Phuc Temple but also visiting all four points in Thang Long Tu Tran to pray for peace.
For me, going to all four temples and some other pagodas at the beginning of the year is already a custom. I often pray for peace, national prosperity and people's peace. As for wealth and money, it depends on each person's destiny, I just hope to have enough willpower to overcome all difficulties in the new year," she shared.
As for Luu Quynh Anh (17 years old, living in Hanoi), she said that following her parents to spring festivals has become a habit for many years. Quynh Anh said that every time she comes to the temple, Quynh Anh sincerely prays for peace for her family and hopes that her studies in the new year will be more favorable and smooth.
Not only families or young people, many businesses also prepare offerings thoughtfully, sincerely offer incense at the temple, praying for a new year of favorable business, smooth business and sustainable development.
This year, Mr. Minh Doanh (38 years old, living in Hanoi) prepared a quite elaborate offering tray. According to him, careful preparation is not about material value, but a way to express sincerity, sending wishes for good things in the new year.
Besides offering incense and performing ceremonies, many people also come to the temple to ask for calligraphy at the beginning of the year, sending wishes through each stroke of ink, and at the same time keeping beautiful photos as a way to mark the first moments of spring.
