The festival is also known by the name “Ong Cau”, which refers to the tradition of soldiers hunting wild pigs in the old capital city of Van Lang. The custom was recently resumed by villagers in 1996.
The ong cau is a male pig which has a black mane, and is sought after by locals during the several months leading up to Tet. On the 23rd of the lunar month of December, villagers choose a local house for building a “house” for the pig. The household must be successful with well-off, law-abiding citizens.
The “house” of ong cau is made with a bamboo frame, and covered with palm leaves to keep out the cold. Weapons, such as knife and spears, are displayed around the house.
The pig is kept at there from the 23rd of the lunar December (the Day of Kitchen God) until the 5th day of the lunar January. Then the villagers release the animal in order to chase and hunt it.
This year, Nguyen Van Chinh was selected to raise two ong cau. The pigs were brought to Chinh’s house on the 23rd of lunar December.
When the festival begins, the pigs are put into the iron cages for later release to the hunting ground.
Cheering
Ong cau taken to the hunting grounds
Hunting
Capture
Exciting atmosphere
After capture, the pig is covered with cloth
Ong cau taken to temples near the Red River
Worship on the night of January 5th on the lunar calendar
