|
In old days, fishermen along seaside thought that the whale was so
good-tempered, hurt no one but helped people when
they had confronted storm in the sea. Taking
advantage of this, someone embroidered several
legends on the whale, which was joined to the life
of Nguyen Anh during the time of his traveling and
running away, coloring stories in which the whale
saved Nguyen Anh from shipwreck, using devine power
to praise this person.
The Whale Festival has been, for centuries, the
biggest water festival of the fishermen in Quang
Nam, Da Nang province. The worshipping of the whale
is not only about paying respect to their God, but
also about ensuring prosperity for the villagers.
|
This festival last for two days from the middle of
the 3rd month of the lunar calendar. On this
occasion, the whale temple, as well as all the
houses and boats, are beautifully decorated.
The peace offering is conducted in the first evening
at the whale temple by village elders.
Offerings
do not contain sea foods and are given while the
oration is read out. The ceremony is held to respect
the Whale God and to pray for the safety and
propriety of the village.
|
 |
|
At dawn the following day, there will be a
procession of boats on the sea in a set formation.
This procession displays the fishermens' sincerity
to their Whale God. By midnight, the official
ceremony is conducted as school children offer
incense and the orchestra plays a classical opera.
All the fishing boats and villagers, no matter where
they are, will return to take part in the Whale
Festival. |
(Source: webdulich.com) |
