Incense Offering Ceremony Commemorating Mother Ancestor Au Co in the Year of the Horse

On the morning of February 23 (the 7th day of the first lunar month), marking the sacred day of “Tiên Giáng” (The Fairy’s Descent), the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Hien Lương Commune solemnly held an incense offering ceremony to commemorate and express deep gratitude to Mother Ancestor Au Co—the legendary mother of the Vietnamese nation.

Delegates attend and offer incense in memory of Mother Ancestor Au Co.

Female celebrants perform the ritual according to traditional rites.

Throughout the shifts of history, the Au Co Mother Temple has remained not only a sacred spiritual space in the community’s consciousness but has also been repeatedly recognized by the State for its exceptional historical and cultural value. The relic was historically honored three times as an “International Temple” by feudal dynasties and received two royal titles.

In 1991, the temple was ranked as a National Historical-Cultural Relic. In 2017, the Belief in Au Co Mother Worship was inscribed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and in 2020, the Statue of Mother Au Co was officially recognized as a National Treasure.

The leaders of Hien Luong Commune read the eulogy to honor the merits of Mother Ancestor Au Co.

Following the administrative restructuring, Hien Luong Commune continues to shoulder the responsibility of preserving the sanctuary and practicing the Mother Au Co worship rituals. Great attention is paid to the restoration and enhancement of the relic site, ensuring it remains a worthy gathering place for the “hundred families” to return to their roots—the descendants of the Dragon and the Fairy—while upholding the moral principle of "When drinking water, remember its source.“The local government and people are committed to strengthening unity to build the”Land of the Mother" into a prosperous and civilized homeland.

During the ceremony, delegates respectfully offered incense, flowers, and offerings. Before the ancestral spirit, the leader of Hien Luong Commune read a eulogy praying for national peace, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and a prosperous, happy life for all.

The palanquin procession from Duc Ong Communal House to Au Co Mother Temple.

The highlight of the main ceremony was the Female Sacrifice Ritual. The ritual team consisted of 21 young, unmarried women, carefully selected for their beauty, education, and virtue—representing the graceful and pure beauty of the daughters of the Mother’s Land. The chief female celebrant wore a red ceremonial robe and headgear, while the other young women, in traditional ao dai with silk sashes, performed the rites strictly according to ancient standards.

Immediately following the formal ceremony, leaders of various provincial departments, local authorities, citizens, and tourists respectfully burned incense to pay tribute to Mother Ancestor Au Co.

Residents and tourists express their sincere devotion during the memorial ceremony.

This year’s Au Co Mother Temple Festival also featured various cultural and sporting activities, including competitions for wrapping Banh Chung and pounding Banh Giay, aimed at preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural identity and tradition of solidarity.

Le Hoang