The local tug of war, using a rattan rope, replicated the practices ofnaval forces led by national hero Ngo Quyen that helped Vietnam defeatinvading troops from the Southern Han state of China on the Bach DangRiver in 938.
It is traditionally organised atspring festivals by a number of villages in Binh Xuyen district such asNgoai Trach, Quat Luu, Son Loi, and Thanh Lang.
Nowadays, the game is maintained only in Huong Canh town, especially in the Huong Canh, Ngoc Canh, and Tien Canh villages.
The tug of war festival in Huong Canh town, taking place on the thirdday of the first lunar month, was recognised as a national intangiblecultural heritage in 2014.
Authorities of Binh Xuyendistrict plan to organise workshops to further clarify the game’scultural identities and work with professional agencies to create adatabase to preserve and popularise the tradition.
They will also include the game in local school curriculum to educate the youth about the traditional practice.-VNA