The death anniversary of Mrs. Phi Yen is the largest cultural event in Con Dao, held annually to commemorate Phi Yen, a historical figure highly respected by the local people. This annual memorial serves as an occasion for locals to remember her contributions and attracts many visitors to experience this sacred land's cultural and historical richness.

The legend of Mrs. Phi Yen

Phi Yen - whose real name was Le Thi Ram, the second wife of King Nguyen Anh, advised him during the Tay Son Rebellion that seeking foreign assistance to fight the Tay Son was unwise. She warned that while foreign aid could bring victory, it would not be honorable and could lead to long-term complications and future difficulties for the nation.

However, the king ignored her advice and grew angry and suspected her of colluding with the Tay Son forces. In his rage, he intended to kill her, but divine intervention saved her, and she was imprisoned in a cave on a small island called Con Lon, which later became known as Ba Island.

The villagers rescued Phi Yen from a cave and moved her to Co Ong village. During a festival in 1785, a man harassed her. To protect her honor, she cut off her arm and committed suicide. The people of An Hai revere her for her purity and loyalty, honoring her with an An Son Shrine.

The statue of Mrs Phi Yen in the main hall

The rituals of the death anniversary of Mrs. Phi Yen

The memorial ceremony is a sacred occasion for the local people of Con Dao, attracting many visitors each year.

Time and location of the ceremony

The memorial ceremony for Phi Yen is held annually on the 17th and 18th days of the 10th lunar month, which falls on November 17-18, 2024. The main venue for the ceremony is An Son Shrine (Phi Yen Temple), a sacred temple located on Con Dao Island, dedicated to honoring Phi Yen. This site is a significant historical monument and a spiritual destination for many locals and tourists.

During this time, Con Dao becomes more vibrant, as locals and tourists gather at An Son Shrine to offer incense, pray, and participate in various cultural and religious activities. The temple is beautifully decorated with offerings, fruits, and flowers, creating a sacred and respectful atmosphere that permeates the area.

An Son Shrine - where the death anniversary of Mrs. Phi Yen

Rituals of the death anniversary

The death anniversary of Mrs. Phi Yen in Con Dao starts on the night of the 17th day of the 10th lunar month. Festival organizers set up offerings like fruits, sticky rice, and sweet soup, while locals prepare their trays to present to Mrs. Phi Yen, praying for peace and good fortune. After the offering ceremony, locals gather for entertainment, with activities like traditional music performances, dancing, and other festivities.

The next day, the official memorial ceremony begins at 9 am. Beautifully arranged offerings such as incense, flowers, candies,... People carrying trays line up, representing organizations and individuals, all paying their respects to Mrs. Phi Yen. In this solemn setting, the master of the ceremony reads the prayer as traditional music plays, alternating between soft and melancholy tones, creating a dignified and emotional atmosphere.

People are offering incense to Mrs Phi Yen

After the ritual, attendees and visitors are invited to enjoy vegetarian dishes prepared by the local people commemorating her self-sacrifice. Additionally, people offer incense at Cau Shrine, the shrine of Prince Cai, Mrs. Phi Yen’s son. Celebrated for 239 years, the death anniversary of Mrs. Phi Yen has become a festival deeply embedded in the spiritual life of the local community.

The death anniversary of Mrs. Phi Yen is a tradition in Con Dao, blending history, culture and spirituality. It draws both locals and visitors to honor her legacy through sacred rituals. If you're seeking a meaningful cultural experience, plan a trip to Con Dao Island during this special event and immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage and natural beauty.