“CEREMONY OF PARADING SOULS OF QUANG TRUNG EMPORER AND CIVIL AND MILITARY MANDARINS INTO THE TEMPLE” 1 August 2008

I have added six new fantastic photos that were taken by Adeline. She was able to sneak up to the front and get a good view while we were stuck behind the unbrellas

This was our view during most of the opening ceremony. Adeline was able to go to the front and get better photographs. I will add some of her photos later

The "emporer" and his entourage were impressive when on elephantback ....

....but less imposing up close!

“CEREMONY OF PARADING SOULS OF QUANG TRUNG EMPORER AND CIVIL AND MILITARY MANDARINS INTO THE TEMPLE”

The official opening for the festival was early on Friday morning. Needing to be at the bus by 5:30 dictated a 4:30 start to the day but it was well worth it even though being a “VIP” was actually a disadvantage in this instance. We were seated about six rows from the front which would have been fine (especially as most of us are so much are taller than the Vietnamese people) except the VVIP’s in the front row all had sun umbrellas over them. These umbrellas largely blocked our view of the parade and performance which was very frustrating. The people behind us in the “cheap seats” on a stand were much better off if somewhat squashed. I could not get photos of anything much during this time but Adeline sneaked up to the front and got some delightful ones which I will include in this blog when I get them.

The Tay Son district is very important in Vietnamese history. In the late 18th Century three peasant brothers from the area led a successful rebellion against the Chinese who had dominated Viet Nam for a very long time. Following the battles one of the brothers, Quang Trung, became the emperor. The festival included a number of displays and shows which commemorated this rebellion. At the opening actors portraying the brothers arrived on elephants. Standing on the backs of the elephants, resplendent in bright costumes, they made an impressive entrance. Less striking were the thirty men on horseback. With tiny horses that looked like skinny Shetland ponies the horsemen created an effect that was much more humorous than imposing.

Regularly large groups of costumed teenagers dashed up and down with impressive weapons and bright square shaped flags while on stage well practiced performers portrayed a variety of historical events. Even though it was not possible to follow the words and symbolism the message of oppression followed by triumph was very clear.

My lasting impression is of brilliant color, drumming and movement. When the official part was finished we followed the elephants and performers into the grounds of the museum. It was great being able to see up close the things that had been so hard to see between the umbrellas. There were stalls and more performances. I have already written a blog about the dancing of the Bahnar people. This was for me the highlight of the morning. I was entranced by their costumes, music and dance.