Cultural Roots of the Ancestral Land

In the heart of the midland Ancestral Land, the ancient village of Di Nau (now part of Tho Van Commune) preserves a unique folk celebration: the Cuop Ken Festival (The Cocoon Snatching Festival). More than just a springtime cultural activity, the festival is a crystallization of the people’s aspirations and their faith in the harmony between humanity and the cosmos. Through the ups and downs of history, the festive drum still echoes atop Tram Linh Hill, serving as a bridge between past and present, guarding the cultural soul of the local inhabitants.

The Cuop Ken Festival is a unique folk festival deeply rooted in fertility beliefs.

In the local treasury of folk heritage, the Cuop Ken Festival stands out as a unique event steeped in ancient fertility rituals. It vividly reflects the spiritual life of agricultural communities in the Northern midlands. Despite historical shifts, the Di Nau community has resiliently preserved and passed this tradition down through generations, turning it into a communal bond and an indispensable part of their spiritual identity.

According to elders, the festival dates back centuries and is closely linked to Tan Vien Son Thanh (the God of Ba Vi Mountain). Historically, the festival was organized to pray for the multiplication of the village population, bountiful harvests, and a prosperous life. It is more than a ritual; it is a grand reunion where the entire village gathers to send their prayers for a peaceful new year.

Quoc Te Temple – The sacred site preserving the unique rituals of the Cuop Ken Festival.

Every year on the 4th day of the first Lunar month, as spring vitality reaches its peak, the people of Di Nau set aside their daily chores to flock to Quoc Te Temple on Tram Linh Hill. Amidst the tranquil midland countryside, the thunderous festive drums, cheers, and rhythmic footsteps of pilgrims create a spring tableau that is both sacred and exhilarating.

Folk legends tell that after defeating invaders, Tan Vien Son Thanh and his generals returned to visit Di Nau. The villagers welcomed them joyfully and asked the gods to teach them the secrets of “procreation” so the village might grow strong and populous. The God commanded General Oai Vuong “Uy Minh” to teach the people these secrets, enabling them to build a great community capable of resisting natural disasters and enemies. Thus, the game of Cuop Ken and various “hundred-trade” folk performances were born to commemorate the gods' grace.

Mr. Ta Dinh Hac (from Hamlet 4, Tho Van Commune) shares: "The Cuop Ken ritual is deeply sacred to us. Snatching the “Ken” is like snatching the blessings of heaven and earth, praying for luck, bumper crops, and flourishing families. But more importantly, it is when everyone blends into one, sharing the joy and the belief in good things to come."

The “Ken” tree is crafted from young bamboo, adorned with 18 No and 18 Nuong—symbols of male and female reproductive organs, reflecting the fertility beliefs of wet-rice farmers. The “snatching” is not merely a physical game; it symbolizes the human journey to seize the grace of the heavens and the earth. It is believed that whoever catches the “Ken” will enjoy immense luck throughout the year.

In June 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially recognized the “Cuop Ken Festival of Di Nau Village” as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is not only a well-deserved tribute to a unique folk festival but also a testament to the enduring vitality of traditional culture when nurtured by community consciousness.

Ms. Luu Thi Diem Huong, Head of the Social-Cultural Department of Tho Van Commune, stated:

"The commune always prioritizes the spiritual life of our citizens. Management and preservation efforts have been implemented effectively. This national recognition (Decision No. 2178/QĐ-BVHTTDL) serves to educate the younger generation on the tradition of 'When drinking water, remember the source.'"

Amidst the constant flux of modern life, the Cuop Ken Festival remains a quiet yet persistent current. Every spring, the festive drum awakens the village’s memory, connecting people to their roots and ensuring that these precious cultural values are passed on to the generations of tomorrow.

Hien Mai