Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue

Tourists visiting Hue imperial relics on New Year's day have a chance to witness the ceremony called "Calendar books distribution" (or Lễ Ban Sóc in Vietnamese), a common traditional practice in the Nguyen Dynasty.
Jasmine Le
January 02, 2021 | 17:48
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hue citadel revives guard mounting ceremony of the nguyen dynasty Hue citadel revives guard mounting ceremony of the Nguyen Dynasty
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Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)

On January 1 morning, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center replicated the Ban Soc ritual, which essentially means to dole out calendar books to residents at Ngo Mon gate, Hue city.

The practice was held periodically at the end of every lunar year under the Nguyen Dynasty.

Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)

In the past, the agricultural economy was key to Vietnamese people, thus the calendar book played a pivotal role in helping people track the time, acknowledge of weather changing patterns to promptly respond and avoid the different natural disasters.

Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)

Ban Soc ceremony was held on a large scale at the beginning of the Minh Mang Dynasty. Once the calendars were finished, the court would hold the ceremony.

In the photo, a spokesperson is telling the historical and cultural meaning of Ban Soc ceremony to attendants.

Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)

In 1984, the Ban Soc ceremony was instructed by Emperor Minh Mang at Ngo Mon gate. Calendar books are given to residents.

Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)
Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)

The calendars are brought into the Royal Palace for the Royal Family to use, the calendars were distributed to the mandarins in the Imperial City, in localities and distributed among the public to use according to Zing News.

Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)

On New Year's Day, many visitors are excited to be greeted with a solemn welcome upon their visit to Dai Noi relic, Hue city.

Replication of New Year's 'Calendar book distribution' ceremony in Hue
(Photo: Zing News)

On this occasion, Hue Monuments Conservation Center opened the Ngo Mon space after a long restoration.

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