Le Mat, a village located about seven kilometers from downtown Hanoi, in the present-day Viet Hung Ward of Long Bien District, has gained a reputation for its unique snake farming tradition and mouthwatering snake cuisine. To commemorate this ancient trade, the village hosts an annual festival on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, attracting locals and visitors alike.
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| The village of Le Mat comes alive during its annual festival, with the highlight being the famous Jiaolong or snake dance. This ancient ritual draws visitors from near and far, eager to witness this unique tradition. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times |
The festival is a celebration of rich cultural heritage, featuring a range of rituals and folk activities. Among these, the Water Offering Ceremony and the Jiaolong or Snake Killing Dance stand out as particularly unique. The latter, one of the ten ancient dances of the imperial capital of Thang Long, showcases the village’s deep-rooted traditions.
According to legend, the Jiaolong Dance dates back to the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225). It tells the tale of the virtuous eldest princess of King Ly Thai Tong, who found herself captured by a sea serpent called Jiaolong while sailing down the Thien Duc River (now known as the Duong River). In a brave act of heroism, a young fisherman named Hoang rushed to her rescue, engaging in a fierce battle with the monster and ultimately saving the princess by beheading the serpent.
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| The Jiaolong Dance is more than just a performance; it symbolizes patriotism, courage, and the duty to protect the community. It is a testament to the brave acts of individuals like Hoang, who put their lives on the line for the greater good. |
As a token of gratitude, the monarch offered Hoang wealth and titles, but he humbly declined. Instead, he requested the establishment of 13 farming settlements, including Cong Vi, Ngoc Ha, Giang Vo, and Thu Le, before returning to his homeland. Hoang’s legacy thrived, and the region flourished, earning the name “Tru Mat,” translating to “flying.”
Following Hoang’s death, the villagers constructed a communal house to honor him as their tutelary god. It was here that the Jiaolong Dance originated, performed during the village festival to commemorate his brave deeds. The dance has since become an integral part of the village’s cultural identity.
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| The Jiaolong Dance is a community effort, involving about 50 dancers from the village. The main characters portrayed are Hoang, the princess, and six individuals dressed as the Jiaolong snake, bringing the legend to life with each performance. |
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| The giant snake, measuring an impressive 10 meters in length, is brought to life with a bamboo skeleton, paper, and cloth. This construction allows for flexible and lifelike movements, adding to the drama of the performance. |
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The dancers don colorful traditional costumes, adding to the visual spectacle of the performance. The Jiaolong snake, with its impressive length and intricate design, takes center stage during the dance.
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| In ancient Vietnamese belief, the Jiaolong was a monstrous snake that had transformed into a dragon. This mythical creature holds a significant place in the country’s folklore and is often associated with power and strength. |
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| The Le Mat Village Festival, held from the 20th to the 24th of the third lunar month, reaches its pinnacle with the Jiaolong Dance. This dance is the highlight of the festival, drawing crowds and showcasing the village’s cultural heritage. |
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| In October 2024, the Jiaolong Dance was performed once again during the Cultural Festival for Peace on Hoan Kiem Lake’s pedestrian street. This performance provided a broader audience with the opportunity to witness this cultural treasure and appreciate its historical and artistic value. |
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| Beyond its entertainment value, the Jiaolong Dance holds profound meanings for the villagers of Le Mat. It serves as a prayer for good weather, abundant harvests, the exorcism of evil spirits, and peace within the community. It is a ritual that connects them to their ancestral roots and cultural heritage. |
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| The Jiaolong Dance is not just a performance but also an educational tool. It plays a vital role in imparting knowledge about Vietnam’s history, culture, and traditional values to the younger generation, ensuring that this rich heritage is preserved for years to come. |
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