The Xa Tac Ritual aims to pray for national prosperity, favorable weather, abundant harvests, and the well-being of the people

Researched and reenacted by Hue Monuments Conservation Center, the Xa Tac Ritual was first organized in 2008 and has since been held annually in the February of the lunar calendar. The successful restoration of the Xa Tac Ritual contributes to preserving and promoting the noble traditional values of our country's history, emphasizing profound humanitarian values, and meeting the aspirations of the people.

Xa Tac Ritual is organized based on traditional rituals that have been researched and streamlined, including offerings such as the Incense Offering ritual, Inviting Deity Procession, White Jade Offering ritual, Wine Offering ritual, Loc Receiving ritual, Feast Preparation ritual, Farewell to Deities ritual, and Tu chuc bach soan ritual (burning written wishes text, jade silk, votive tablets). Offerings include essential items such as rice, jade silk, and fruits.

 Xa Tac Ritual is organized based on traditional rituals that have been researched and streamlined

As one of the typical court rituals, from the periods of Dinh, Ly, Tran, Le to Nguyen, the Xa Tac Esplanade was established, and the Xa Tac Ritual was held twice a year (in spring and autumn) to honor the country's agriculture and pray for the best for the nation and its people. During the Nguyen Dynasty, the Xa Tac Ritual was one of the important court rituals classified as "grand rituals," reflecting the desire for harmony and coexistence with nature. The ceremony upholds humanitarian values, aligning with the moral principles of the Vietnamese people.

 After the ceremonial rituals, many people come to offer incense and pray

Xa Tac Esplanade, built in 1806 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, is one of the most significant court relics of Hue Ancient Capital. During the Nguyen Dynasty, it was ranked alongside Nam Giao Esplanade and the Five Temples within the Imperial City (Trieu Mieu, Thai Mieu, Hung Mieu, The Mieu, and Phung Tien Mieu). This structure is one of the essential "Temples and Esplanades" of the court and royal family.

Similar to previous years, this year's Xa Tac Ritual only includes the ritual part held at Xa Tac Esplanade, consisting of the Xa Tac Ritual's inherent rituals, with the characteristics of a court ritual that has been researched and successfully restored, becoming a unique traditional cultural feature imbued with the humanitarian spirit of Thua Thien Hue.

By LIEN MINH