(AG Provincial E-Portal) - The Bathing Ceremony of the Lady of Mount Sam is conducted by the Management Board of Mount Sam Mausoleum from 23:00 on May 30 (the 23rd day of the 4th lunar calendar) to more than 01:00 on May 31 (the 24th day of the 4th lunar calendar).
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Le Van Nung, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the An Giang People's Council; Mr. Le Van Phuoc, Head of the Festival Organising Committee, Vice Chairman of the An Giang Provincial People's Committee, and Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee; and comrades in the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, departments and branches of the province, and the City Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Chau Doc city.
The ceremony was attended by a significant number of individuals from both within and outside the province.
One of the traditional and significant rituals in the National Festival of the Lady Temple of Mount Sam is the Bathing Ceremony, also known as the Bathing Ceremony. Leaders of An Giang province, Chau Doc city and agencies, departments, branches, Sam Mountain Mausoleum Management Board, ceremony committee, Bathing Crew, elders... conduct the incense prayer ceremony, and offer tea and wine.
The Bathing Crew conducts the incense offering ritual, asking permission before the Bathing ceremony.
Red velvet curtains were drawn across the altar on May 31 (24/4 lunar calendar), at precisely 0 o'clock, to conceal the statue's location. The Lady's bathing is performed by a group of nine women who are preselected in advance. Her bath water is composed of nine fragrant flowers that have been meticulously chosen. The Bathing Crew would dip the new towels of the Priesthood and offerings in pots of perfume, squeeze them dry, and wipe them on the statue.
Next, the Bathing Crew marinated her with perfume put on a beautiful and precious garment and crown and put a gold necklace for her.
The velvet veil was withdrawn at 01:00 on May 31 (representing the 24th day of the 4th lunar calendar), after the ritual of bathing her was fully completed. Subsequently, visitors may offer prayers, express admiration, and request favours from the Lady.
Author: Phan Huu
Translator: Kim Thuan
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