The seal-opening ceremony at the Tran temple complex opens on February 4th after 2 years of COVID-19 hiatus. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)

The ceremony was a re-enactment of a custom dating back to the Tran dynasty (1225-1400), when mandarins took out their seals after the Tet (lunar New Year) holiday to resume administrative activities, including rewarding and conferring titles.

After the ritual, the temple is open for the pubic to come in to get a stamp in hope for good luck and happiness.

Visitors to Tran temple can also admire beautiful architectural works, precious documents and artifacts of the Tran Dynasty and the 14 Tran kings and generals.  

According to historical and cultural researchers, the seal-opening ceremony has great human significance to pray for peace and prosperity.