Annual ritual to honor a patriotic female martyr in Con Dao islands
People in Con Dao island district in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau hold an annual ritual on the 18th of the 10th lunar month to honor a patriotic female martyr named Phi Yen, the 2nd wife of Lord Nguyen. Local people consider her a sponsor of their life.
 |
| A wharf in Con Dao |
Legend has it that in the 18th century, Lord Nguyen was defeated by Tay Son soldiers and escaped to Con Dao island. Phi Yen convinced her husband not to surrender to the French colonialist but Lord Nguyen got angry and detained her in a mountain in Con Dao. Phi Yen committed a suicide and was then worshiped in a temple by local people. The annual ritual starts with preparations one month earlier, when residents assigned tasks, including cooking of various dishes. Nguyen Ngoc Thiet is a ritual participant: “Our offering includes sticky rice, fruits, sweetened soup with green bean and rice. We consider Phi Yen our mother and volunteer to prepare the dishes for offering. We also organize contests in flower arrangement and cooking in memory of Phi Yen.”
Local residents gathered in An Son Mieu, which worships Phi yen one day before the ritual starts. Pham Thi Tam is in charge of Con Dao relic management board: The ritual in honor of Phi Yen is our community festival. This year marks the 226th death anniversary of Phi Yen. People from neighboring provinces also visit Con Dao to praise her patriotism and join folk games.”
The festival is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy amateur music performance. Nguyen Thi La, 77, says the festival gives her enjoyable time:“I come to the temple early in the afternoon. I join the event annually and like the performance very much.”
The official ritual begins at 10 am on the 18th of the 10th lunar month. Queues of people with their trays of offering on their head proceed to the temple. Pham Thi Tam again:“The opening session has dancing performances followed by 9 groups of people making the offering representing 9 hamlets. The chief shaman will brief the participants major contribution of the saint and then invited all people for a party.”
The festival represents local people’s wish for prosperity and peace as well as their community bondage.