Dragons set to welcome Hanoi Millennium

At the Thang Long Citadel Relic Complex, a ceremony marking the completion of 1,000 Thang Long dragons, special souvenirs of the Thang Long-Hanoi millennium was held by the Dong Son Fine Arts Company on August 29.
In front of Kinh Thien Palace, the heart of the Thang Long Citadel where kings and mandarin made important discussions on the state affairs, the Hanoi City People's Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism leaders and visitors held an incense offering ceremony to express respect to the ancestors who constructed and maintained the country and prayed for peace and happiness. After the incense offering ceremony, superior Buddhist monk Thich Minh Hien, the deputy head of the Central Cultural Committee under the Vietnamese Buddhist Association, monks and nuns from the Hanoi Buddhist Association conducted a Buddhist rite to brighten the dragon eyes.
Addressing the ceremony, Ngo Thi Thanh Hang, the deputy chairwoman of the Hanoi City People's Committee cum deputy head of National Steering Committee for the Anniversary 1,000 year Thang Long - Hanoi, highly appreciated the Dong Son Fine Arts Company's efforts over the months spent completing the dragons. The Thang Long dragons are said to epitomize the national culture and historical values of the country. In addition, Ngo Thi Thanh Hang went on to praise the company's skillful artisans,
Dong Son Fine Arts Company Chairman, Le Huy Dac said that the dragons represented a tribute from the company to their professional forefathers. Through the gift, the company wanted to make a contribution to Hanoi's millennial anniversary.
According to the organizing board, after the religious ceremony, the dragons numbered 0001 and 1,000 would be taken to the Temple of Literature and sold at auction live on VTV4 on September, 26. The auction will continue on October, 3 on VTV1. The money from the auction will be presented to the Agent Orange Victim Fund.
The dragon number 0001 symbolizes Ly Thai To King whose real name was Ly Cong Uan (974-1028). He came to the throne in 1009 and ruled the country until 1028. Ly Thai To King moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh Province) to Dai La (now Hanoi) and changed the name to Thang Long (Ascending Dragon). He compiled the Royal Proclamation of Moving the Capital. During his reign, Ly Thai To King constructed the Thang Long Citadel, the world cultural heritage site recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The 1,000th dragon is the symbol of 1,000 years of Thang Long-Hanoi. The dragon represents the longevity of a capital with 1,000 year cultural tradition. Over 1,000 years with numerous historical upheavals, the cultural tradition of the capital still remains unchanged.
At the conclusion of the project, a peace gala evening will be held on September 26 at the Temple of Literature. Through the auction, the organizing board wants to send a message of peace and appeal to Vietnamese and people all over the world to support Agent Orange victims and repair the damage left by war.
The auctions provide an opportunity for people throughout the country to buy a souvenir of the Hanoi millennium celebration and will provide donations to the Agent Orange Victim Fund. The people who buy a dragon will be granted a certificate by the National Steering Committee for the Anniversary of 1,000 year Thang Long-Hanoi.