As time has passed, the commerce in Hanoi’s 36 ancient guild streets has changed, yet the temples in the Old Quarter dedicated to the ancestors of the original crafts remain an important part of Hanoi’s unique culture.
Hanoi has always been a venue of talented craftsmen. They came to Hanoi to ply their crafts setting up 36 trade guilds centered in 36 different streets. Over centuries, the artisans who migrated from rural areas have brought to the city their traditional crafts with outstanding techniques. Through many ups and downs, many streets in the Old Quarter still retain their traditional trade.
Despite their good business in the city, the artisans and their children never forget their roots. They set up temples to worship their ancestors who handed down the craft to them. There are dozens of temples scattered in the Old Quarter.
Worshipping practices of at these temples dedicated to craft founders often take place during their death anniversary of craft ancestors, occasion of spring and autumn, and on the first and the fifteenth day of every lunar month. These spiritual practices include traditional offering and worshipping rites to pay respects and gratitude to craft founders, as well as prayers for successful and thrifty businesses.
The death anniversary of the craft founder is the most important, and craftsmen often hold big worshiping events. In case there’s no death anniversary, the spring and autumn occasions are main worshipping events.
These events are also opportunities for craft guilds to promote exchanges, contributing to foster mutual support and cooperation in craft production and trading.
PTT
