Spiritual culture in Cua Lo from a tourism perspective

Van Loc Temple Festival, Nghi Tan Ward is held every 3 years from January 15-17 (AL). Photo: Ngoc Anh

Although Cua Lo town’s area is not large (27.81 km2), it has a quite rich and diverse system of relics and landscapes. According to incomplete inventory data of the Nghe An Provincial Monuments Management Board, there are currently 40 relics in Cua Lo town, of which 13 relics have been ranked at the provincial and national levels with enough types of history, culture, and landscapes. Among them, spiritual relics account for the majority.

On a strip of land with a 12km long coastline, it is not difficult for visitors to see the looming silhouettes of ancient temples, pagodas… It is these works that have contributed to preserving traditional values ​​amid the rapid breath of the times. Cua Lo residents have always been proud of their traditional spiritual cultural space for many generations. They not only know how to preserve and promote it, but also know how to exploit the spiritual element into an important factor attracting tourists. calendar.

Unique beliefs of residents of Cua Lo coastal area

Sparkling and attractive at the Opening Ceremony of Cua Lo Tourism 2024. Photo: Hoang Nguyen

Going back in history, the ancient villages of Cua Lo were formed quite early with the great contribution of the father and son of Grand Master Cuong Quoc Cong Nguyen Xi. The long coastline is not only a condition and a criterion to attract people here to make a living, but also a reason to form spiritual beliefs. Living by the sea, dying by the sea is the premise for many unique beliefs, imbued with river culture, to be born. Among them, the most unique is the belief in worshiping Hai Than (God of the Sea) and the belief in worshiping Ong fish.

It can be said that the worship of the Sea God was formed in parallel with the process of reclamation and establishment of villages by Cua Lo residents. Therefore, it is an inseparable part of the formation and development of this land. The Sea God system of Cua Lo residents is very rich and diverse, including gods who, when alive, were assigned to govern the sea, estuaries and creeks such as: Hoang Ta Thon, Le Khoi, Nguyen Su Hoi, … or the divine gods who were appointed to govern the sea such as: Four Holy Mothers; Cao Son Cao Cac.

Leaders of Nghe An province and Cua Lo town received the certificate certifying that Yen Luong temple was included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage. Photo: Chau Yen

Among the gods mentioned above, the most commonly worshiped are the Four Holy Mothers. This is a deity originating from Con Temple, Quynh Phuong ward, Hoang Mai town. The phenomenon of worshiping the Four Holy Mothers not only stops at the original place of origin but also diffuses and spreads worship in many places in riverside and coastal areas. Through historical dynasties, the Four Holy Ladies were all bestowed with titles by the central feudal state to recognize their merits as “Dai Can of the Nam Hai Nation, Four Holy Ladies” and conferred the highest rank of “Superior”. “dark spirit”, becoming the goddess guarding the seaport, she always blesses and protects fishermen who go out to sea to keep their lives safe. Another god is also worshiped by residents here at many relics, which is Cao Son Cao Cac.

God is one of the eight most worshiped gods in Nghe An in general and Cua Lo in particular. However, if in other places, Cao Son Cao Cac is worshiped as the Mountain god, in Cua Lo, he is worshiped as a sea god who guards the peace of the estuary with the title : “High Son Cao Cac, sea town, righteous path, great king”.

Many activities during the 2024 Cau Ngu Festival in Nghi Hai ward. Photo: Hanh Quy

The belief in worshiping Ong fish is also a traditional folk belief of residents of Cua Lo coastal area. For many people, the Ong fish or Whale is just a normal creature, impressive with its greatness, but for sea people, especially those who make a living by fishing and going to sea, the fish He is like a father and mother who protects, protects, and rescues whenever boats and ships are in trouble. Therefore, they highly respect and honor the Ong fish with many beautiful names such as: Ngu Ong, Mr. Nam Hai, Mr. Chong, Mr. Long, Mr. Khoi, Nam Hai Great General. The people here also have a saying: “Seeing him enter the village is like gold entering a cupboard”.
Legend has it that: In the Cua Lo and Cua Hoi areas, there often appears a giant fish as big as a ship. Many times when the sea was rough and the fishing boat was in danger, he often came to help. Ca Ong supported the boat through the terrifying waves and waves and saved many fishermen in distress. When “he” passed away, his body floated ashore, and the fishermen had to use up to 30 pairs of new mats to cover his remains without any success.

According to the customs of seafaring people, whoever discovers the stranded Ong fish (customedly called “Mr. Pham”) has the duty to bury and mourn him as if he were mourning his own parents. The first person to discover the body Fish Ong is called the eldest son and when holding a funeral, he must dress as the eldest son to organize a funeral for his parents. All related rituals must be performed by the whole village When a child dies, people call it a miscarriage and call him the uncle god. Ca Ong is revered by the people as Duc Ngu Ong. With that respect, they put all their faith in the spirit of Duc Ngu Ong sacred to bless residents when going out to sea.

Famous spiritual addresses

Lo Son Pagoda located in Nghi Tan ward is a pagoda with a history of construction spanning hundreds of years. Currently, the pagoda still retains the appearance of an ancient village temple with a unique system of ancient statues. The peaceful, tranquil space is what attracts tourists after having exciting and bustling experiences on the beach. Not far away, there is an ancient temple worshiping the Sea God Nguyen Su Hoi – the talented and outstanding son of Grand Master Cuong Quoc Cong Nguyen Xi, called Van Loc temple. The temple has a beautiful location, overlooking Cua Lo fishing port, the buildings still retain their ancient features, the layout and carvings on the house frame create spiritual depth, bringing many levels of emotions to visitors. guest. This sacred ancient temple also attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Mai Bang Temple, Nghi Thuy ward. Photo: Chau Yen

Nestled modestly in a residential area, Yen Luong temple, Mai Bang temple – Nghi Thuy ward, Lang Hieu temple – Nghi Hai ward… are also attractive spiritual addresses worth visiting once. These temples not only have a peaceful and airy space but also preserve many traditional customs of coastal residents. It is interesting to offer incense, worship, and listen to the elders tell stories about the customs and lifestyle of coastal residents.

Among the famous spiritual spots, it is impossible not to mention Song Ngu Pagoda – a Buddhist temple on the beautiful Ngu Island. Visiting the pagoda, visitors not only experience the feeling of traveling by boat, but also immerse themselves in the poetic space of sky and sea and the sacred world of Buddhism.

Lang Hieu Temple, Nghi Hai ward. Photo: Chau Yen

Unique festivals attract tourists

In Cua Lo town, there are many spiritual cultural festivals associated with relics held annually such as Yen Luong Temple Festival (June 15 of the lunar calendar), Cau Ngu ceremony at Lang Hieu Temple (June 15). 3 lunar calendar), Van Loc temple festival (January 15), Mai Bang temple festival (February 12 lunar calendar)…, among them, Yen Luong temple festival must be mentioned. This is one of the traditional festivals that has existed for hundreds of years with many ceremonies imbued with the identity of coastal residents such as: Trung Thien Reporting Ceremony, Reporting Ceremony, Phung Nghinh Procession Ceremony, Fishery Praying Ceremony, Great Ceremony. offerings and thanksgiving ceremonies… attract a large number of people and tourists to participate. Yen Luong Temple Festival has been registered on the list of national intangible cultural heritage in 2023.

Yen Luong temple festival, Nghi Thuy ward. Photo: Nguyen Huong

Cau Ngu Festival, also known as Nghinh Ong Festival, held at Lang Hieu temple is also one of the unique festivals, associated with the belief of worshiping Ong fish. The festival takes place with many activities such as offerings and offerings, Phung Nginh ceremony (fish procession) at Ha Dung wharf and many folk games imbued with the identity of coastal residents such as fish grilling competition and pouring competition. fish sauce…

Bau Loi Temple, Nghi Thu ward. Photo: Chau Yen

In general, although the festivals take place at different times, the activities are rich, diverse, and colorful, but they all demonstrate the cultural characteristics of the residents of Cua Lo coastal area.

In recent years, as Cua Lo has become more and more known and chosen as a destination for holidays, spiritual places and spiritual festivals have also increasingly attracted tourists. Hopefully, when Cua Lo no longer appears on the administrative map, Cua Lo residents will still retain their enthusiasm and love for the traditional cultural heritage of their ancestors for spiritual tourism in Cua Lo. will be sought after by tourists, not an “attachment” point when visitors come to Cua Lo scenic spot.

Author: Chau Yen – Lam Thy

Source: thanhtra.com.vn