Getting Tran Temple sealed papers
(VOV) - Unlike last year’s stampede, pilgrims lined up the path to Tran Temple in Nam Dinh province this year to get papers stamped with the holy royal seal in the hopes the seal will bring them good luck in the new year.
The Tran Temple Complex was built in Nam Dinh in the 17th century to honour Tran Kings for their contributions to national construction and defence.
In 1239 the Tran Dynasty held an ancestral worship ceremony - the precursor to the present-day seal ritual, during which the King gave a large banquet to treat and ordain mandarins for their military exploits. The ritual has been preserved till today to commemorate Tran Kings.
The Tran Temple Festival is held on the 15th day of the first lunar month and it is said those who get the sealed papers will enjoy peace, happiness and prosperity in the new year.
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| After the ritual held at midnight, sealed papers are distributed to pilgrims |
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| Organisers set up three seal distributing places to ensure order and safety |
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| About 2,000 policemen have been deployed to ensure safety and security |
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| Sealed papers are also handed out to individuals and organisations at their request |
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| These are Tran Temple sealed papers |
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| Such papers will be distributed over six days |
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| It takes a person just 1 minute to get the paper |
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| After receiving the paper, the pilgrim performs the ritual |
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| Each person is required to get one or two sealed papers |
