The Hang Thuan ceremony is one of the traditional rituals deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. However, many people still do not fully understand what the Hang Thuan ceremony is, its meaning, and how the rituals are conducted. Let's explore this information together in the article below to answer any questions you may have.
What is Hang Thuan ceremony?
The Hang Thuan ceremony is a wedding ritual held at the main hall, under the witness of the Buddha and the venerable monks. "Hang" means regular, continuous; "Thuan" means harmony, agreement. The Hang Thuan ceremony expresses wishes for the bride and groom to always live in harmony, love, and together strive towards the path of enlightenment.
The Hang Thuan ceremony originated from the "Phat tien the nguyen" ritual of Mahayana Buddhism. In the 11th century, King Ly Thai To imported this ritual to Vietnam, and it gradually became a beautiful cultural feature in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.
What is Hang Thuan ceremony?
The meaning of Hang Thuan Ceremony
The Hang Thuan ceremony carries profound meanings, reflecting the desire for a harmonious, happy, and peaceful married life.
Sacred vows
The Hang Thuan ceremony is not only a ritual to bond the couple in marriage but also a sacred vow before the Buddha and the venerable monks. This vow represents the lifelong commitment of the couple to nurture family happiness, to share joys and sorrows in life together.
Heading towards the path of spiritual practice
The Hang Thuan ceremony is not just a physical union but also a spiritual one. It reminds the couple to not only nurture their love but also to embark together on the path of spiritual practice and enlightenment. The ceremony is a promise to uphold the five precepts, practice the ten virtues, and engage in good deeds to cultivate merit for oneself and the family.
The meaning of Hang Thuan Ceremony
Wishes for a fulfilling married life:
The Hang Thuan Ceremony is a wish for the couple to always live in harmony, love, and togetherness, overcoming all difficulties in life. It is a wish for a happy family, prosperous descendants, and peace and prosperity.
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The beauty of spiritual culture.
The Hang Thuan Ceremony is a beautiful spiritual and cultural aspect of Buddhism. It reflects faith in the Buddha and the desire for the Buddha to validate one's vows. It is also a way to show gratitude to parents, ancestors, and those who have contributed to the happiness of the couple.
The Ritual of the Hang Thuan Ceremony
The Hang Thuan Ceremony marks the beginning of a harmonious, happy, and peaceful married life. The ceremony is conducted with the following rituals:
- Offering incense to the Sangha.
- Statement of purpose.
- Introduction of the Sangha and distinguished guests attending the Eternal Harmony Ceremony.
- Main ritual: recitation of the Five Precepts, hair cutting ceremony for auspiciousness, exchanging wedding rings, recitation of vows.
- Blessings.
- Thank you.
- Presentation of souvenir gifts.
Notes on Organizing the Hang Thuan Ceremony
The Hang Thuan Ceremony is not only a sacred vow but also a wish for a harmonious, happy, and peaceful married life. When organizing the ceremony, you should keep in mind the following:
Preparation before the ceremony:
- Choosing the date and time: It's advisable to select an auspicious day and month, suitable for the ages of the bride and groom. Consult with the venerable monks at the temple to choose a suitable date.
- Contacting the temple: Discuss the Eternal Harmony Ceremony rituals with the venerable monks, prepare ceremonial offerings, and organize necessary procedures.
- Preparing attire: Select formal, elegant attire appropriate for the solemn atmosphere of the main hall.
- Preparing offerings: Offerings to the Buddha and the venerable monks include fruits, sweets, tea, etc.
- Preparing wedding rings: Choose simple, plain rings that symbolize unity and goodwill.
In the Eternal Harmony Ceremony
- Maintain purity and solemnity in the main hall.
- Listen and follow the instructions of the monks and nuns.
- Show reverence and focus on the rituals.
Nghi thức diễn ra trong khi buổi Lễ Hằng Thuận
After the Hang Thuan Ceremony:
- Uphold the vows that were made.
- Practice together, cultivate goodness.
- Live in harmony, love each other, and overcome all difficulties in life together.
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List of Places Where the Hang Thuan Ceremony Can Be Held
List of Places Where the Hang Thuan Ceremony Can Be Held
Northern Vietnam:
- Quan Su Pagoda: Hanoi. Famous for its sacredness, attracting many Buddhists to visit and participate in ceremonies.
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: Ninh Binh. A large temple complex with unique architecture.
Bai Danh Pagoda - Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery in Vinh Phuc is known for its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere.
Central Vietnam:
- Linh Ung Pagoda: Da Nang. Located on Son Tra Peninsula, with a beautiful ocean view.
- Tu Hieu Pagoda: Hue. Ancient and preserving many historical values.
- Thien Mu Pagoda: Hue. A symbol of Buddhism in the ancient capital.
Southern Vietnam:
- Giac Lam Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh City is a very ancient pagoda and a national historical relic.
- Bu Long Pagoda: Thu Duc City. Unique architecture, dubbed the "One-Pillar Pagoda" of the South.
- Vinh Nghiem Pagoda: District 3, Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its sacredness, attracting many Buddhists.
Yes, you seem to have a better understanding of what the Eternal Harmony Ceremony is. Whether or not to hold this ceremony depends on each person's desire. It can be said that the Eternal Harmony Ceremony is not only a traditional ritual but also a symbol of gratitude and respect for ancestors and the cultural identity of the nation. Let's continue to preserve and develop these traditional values with I&H Weddings so that we can step into the future with pride in our origins and culture.
