The Xa Tac Offering Ritual was a grand national ceremony of the Nguyen Dynasty, classified as a Đại tự (Great Sacrificial Rite), held to pray for peace and prosperity, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and the well-being of the people. Moreover, this ritual embodies the aspiration for harmony and coexistence with nature, highlighting the profound humanistic values deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural and moral traditions. The revival of the Xa Tac Offering Ritual not only brings back a distinctive aspect of traditional culture but also enriches Hue’s rich cultural heritage.

Hue royal court orchestra at Xa Tac Offering Ritual

From the fall of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945 until 2007, the Xa Tac Offering Ritual had disappeared. However, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, various cultural management agencies, and the local community, the ritual was successfully revived in 2008 and has been held annually ever since. Since its restoration, the ceremony has received continuous attention and meticulous organization, ensuring the preservation and promotion of its invaluable cultural significance.

The Xa Tac Offering Ritual begins at dawn

With full traditional rituals

The modern-day Xa Tac Offering Ritual is conducted with full traditional rites, including Quán tẩy (purification and hand-washing), Lễ thượng hương (incense offering), Lễ nghinh thần (welcoming the deities), Lễ hiến tước (wine offering), Lễ truyền chúc (recitation of the ceremonial prayer), Lễ tống thần (farewell to the deities), and Lễ tư chúc bạch soạn (burning of ceremonial texts, silk, and ancestral tablets). Following the ritual, residents and visitors can offer incense and make their own prayers.

Participants in the Xa Tac Ritual are solemn in traditional Aodai

Contribute to introducing and promoting Nguyen royal court cultural rituals to a wide range of people and tourists

For Hue, alongside building its reputation as a Festival City, the annual Xa Tac Offering Ritual serves as an opportunity to introduce and promote the Nguyen Dynasty’s court ceremonies and cultural expressions to a wide audience of both locals and tourists. More profoundly, the ritual reflects the Vietnamese tradition of "drinking water, remembering its source" (a deep gratitude for ancestors and predecessors) and pays homage to the contributions of past generations.

Some images from the Xa Tac Offering Ritual 2025: