A seal-stamp opening ceremony at Tran temple in the northern province of Nam Dinh was held on the night of February 21 (the fourteenth day of the first lunar month), attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims and visitors nationwide.
The ceremony was attended by Politburo member and President of Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyễn Thiện Nhân and Politburo member and Minister of Public Security Trần Đại Quang, among others.
The ceremony involved the re-enactment of a custom dating back to the Tran dynasty (1225-1400), when mandarins took out their seal-stamps after the Tet (lunar New Year) holiday to officially resume administrative activities.
In his opening speech, Chairman of Nam Dinh city People’s Committee Nguyen Van Va hailed the great tradition of the Tran dynasty, saying that the seal opening ceremony conveyed a wish for the peace of the nation and prosperity of the people.
The event opened with an incense offering, followed by a seal parade, after which the seal-stamp was distributed to pagodas, temples and visitors.
This year’s distribution took place from 5:30 am on the morning of February 22, 30 minutes earlier than usual in order to avoid visitors from having to wait and traffic jams.
The local authorities also took measures to ensure social order and traffic safety during the event.
Source: http://en.nhandan.com.vn/
