1. Meaning of the Death Anniversary Ceremony and the Figure of Vo Thi Sau in the Hearts of the Nation

1.1. Overview of the Death Anniversary Ceremony of Vo Thi Sau

The Death Anniversary Ceremony of Vo Thi Sau is a solemn occasion for remembrance, held annually at Hang Duong Cemetery (Con Dao) and many other localities, especially in her hometown of Dat Do, Ba Ria – Vung Tau. This is not just a traditional ritual but also a profound cultural-historical event, where present and future generations turn to remember the national heroine.

A large number of people come to offer incense to Ms. Vo Thi Sau on each anniversary (Source: Collected)

Each anniversary season, thousands of people, veterans, students, and visitors from all walks of life gather to offer incense, light candles, and participate in memorial rituals. The solemn and moving atmosphere at the commemoration ceremony not only shows reverence but also serves as an occasion to educate patriotism, reminding everyone of the value of freedom, peace, and the noble sacrifices of previous generations.

In addition to the cemetery ceremonies, many accompanying cultural and educational activities such as photo exhibitions, seminars on the life of Vo Thi Sau, and media programs have helped the commemoration become an occasion to connect history with the present, spreading the message of patriotism to the wider community.

1.2. The Young but Brave Life of Vo Thi Sau

Vo Thi Sau was born in 1933 in Dat Do district, former Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, and joined the revolutionary movement early in her childhood. At just 14 years old, she joined the local guerrilla force, undertaking reconnaissance, guiding, and combat missions against the French colonial forces. Every step Vo Thi Sau took was associated with patriotism and a determination to protect her homeland, despite her very young age.

Statue of Sister Vo Thi Sau in Con Dao (Source: Collected)

Throughout her activities, she undertook many dangerous missions, facing the enemy with extraordinary courage. Her bravery and indomitable spirit inspired her comrades and the entire community, making the name Vo Thi Sau a symbol of tenacious fighting spirit, ready to sacrifice for the nation's freedom.

Despite being captured and enduring harsh imprisonments, Vo Thi Sau maintained her integrity. Before her sacrifice on January 23, 1952, in Con Dao, at just 17 years old, she demonstrated profound patriotism through her songs and steadfast attitude, leaving behind the image of an indomitable heroine in the hearts of the people.

1.3. Vo Thi Sau's Fighting Spirit and Legacy in the Heart of the Nation

Vo Thi Sau's courageous spirit, patriotism, and noble sacrifice have become a cultural-historical symbol, remembered and honored throughout the country. The Vietnamese State posthumously awarded her the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, while also recognizing her significant contributions to the cause of national liberation.

The image of Vo Thi Sau is depicted through many statues, commemorative steles, books, newspapers, and films, becoming a symbol for educating the younger generation in patriotism. Each time the Vo Thi Sau memorial anniversary is organized, people not only commemorate an individual but also honor the values of courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit in the nation's history.

For the community, the anniversary is also an occasion to connect the past and the present, reminding everyone of the silent yet noble sacrifices of previous generations, while also fostering the will, national pride, and the responsibility to protect independence and freedom for today and the future.

2. Time and Location of Vo Thi Sau's Memorial Anniversary

2.1. Main Memorial Anniversary Organization Time in Con Dao and Dat Do

The Vo Thi Sau memorial anniversary is organized according to two main time points, reflecting both her actual date of sacrifice and local customs during the year-end period.

In Con Dao, where the heroine was executed on January 23, 1952, the anniversary is usually held on January 23rd annually (Gregorian calendar) with a series of solemn ceremonies at Hang Duong Cemetery and the Con Dao Temple, attracting a large number of people and visitors.

Vo Thi Sau's Death Anniversary Ceremony takes place on the 27th day of the 12th lunar month annually in her homeland Dat Do (Source: Collected)

Meanwhile, in Dat Do – her homeland, people often take the 27th day of the 12th lunar month annually as the date to hold the death anniversary ceremony, associated with beliefs and customs of year-end ancestor worship. The existence of these two time points originates from the combination of the heroine's actual date of sacrifice and the local community's tradition of remembrance, helping to widely spread the spirit of gratitude in various circumstances.

2.2. Main locations for Vo Thi Sau's Death Anniversary Ceremony

Hang Duong Cemetery (Con Dao) is the main venue, the resting place of heroine Vo Thi Sau and thousands of other martyrs. With its seaside location and solemn atmosphere, this is where solemn ceremonies such as incense offering, moment of silence, and flag salutation are held on the main anniversary day in Con Dao.

Besides, the Vo Thi Sau Memorial in both Con Dao and Dat Do is where her statue and commemorative stele are located, often used for official commemoration activities such as flower offering, candle lighting, and local ritual anniversary ceremonies. The Memorial is not only a cultural-historical stopover point but also a symbol reminding people of her indomitable spirit in their hearts.

Furthermore, the Vo Thi Sau Memorial House in Dat Do plays an important role in preserving artifacts, images, and exhibitions about her revolutionary life. This is a highly educational and community-oriented site, allowing people, students, and visitors to learn more deeply about the historical value, the spirit of brave fighting, and the heroine's spiritual legacy right in her homeland.

3. Rituals and Customs during Vo Thi Sau's Death Anniversary Ceremony

3.1. Incense Offering and Moment of Silence Ceremony

One of the most important ceremonies during the Vo Thi Sau's Death Anniversary Ceremony is the incense offering and moment of silence ceremony at Hang Duong Cemetery (Con Dao) or at the Memorial, Memorial House in Dat Do. The incense offering ceremony is performed in the early morning, as dawn breaks over the sea, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere. People, visitors, and delegations line up to offer incense, lay flowers, and bow in remembrance, expressing deep gratitude to the heroine and the fallen martyrs.

Leaders and people offer incense in commemoration of Sister Vo Thi Sau (Source: Collected)

The mourning ritual is often accompanied by a collective moment of silence, during which everyone stands in silence, expressing reverence and gratitude. This is a touching moment, reminding everyone of the value of sacrifice, courage, and the indomitable spirit of Vo Thi Sau, while also educating the younger generation about patriotism and revolutionary tradition.

3.2. Flag Saluting Ceremony and Parade

The flag saluting ceremony and parade is a distinctive ritual often held at Hang Duong Cemetery on the main anniversary of death. Armed forces, veterans, and delegate delegations participate in the parade, showing respect and gratitude for the contributions of Vo Thi Sau and the martyrs.

This activity is not just formal but also a symbol of fighting spirit, discipline, and loyalty to revolutionary ideals. The combination of flag saluting, parade, and incense offering creates a solemn atmosphere, making attendees clearly feel the noble sacrifice and steadfast spirit of the heroine.

3.3. Cultural - Educational Activities

Besides the main rituals, the death anniversary ceremony of Vo Thi Sau also includes many cultural - educational activities such as photo exhibitions, artifact displays, seminars on her life and fighting spirit, along with exchange programs and historical storytelling for students and visitors.

Educational cultural activities for the anniversary of the death of Ms. Vo Thi Sau (Source: Collected)

These activities help participants, especially the younger generation, understand more about the life, bravery, and indomitable spirit of Vo Thi Sau. This is also an occasion to convey historical values, emphasizing patriotism, loyalty, and noble sacrifice, thereby creating a connection between the past and the present.

3.4. Folk customs and unique characteristics

In Dat Do, the hometown of the heroine, folk customs associated with the death anniversary ceremony have also been maintained for a long time. People often prepare ritual meals, organize incense burning at the Memorial House and areas associated with her childhood and revolutionary activities. Some places also organize traditional Vietnamese opera, historical storytelling, and community activities to commemorate her vividly, in a way that is close to local culture.

This custom not only helps preserve the memory of Vo Thi Sau but also creates a solemn and warm atmosphere, where tradition and reverence are harmoniously combined. Through this, the death anniversary ceremony becomes a vibrant cultural-historical event, both commemorating the heroine and educating the community about patriotism.

4. Historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of the Vo Thi Sau death anniversary ceremony

4.1. Nurturing patriotism for the younger generation

The Vo Thi Sau death anniversary ceremony is not only an occasion to commemorate the heroine but also an important historical-cultural educational activity, especially for the younger generation. Students and youth participating in the ceremony witness the solemn rituals at Hang Duong Cemetery, hear stories of her brave youth, thereby deeply feeling patriotism, resilience, and the will to fight for national independence.

Many schools and organizations have brought students to visit the Vo Thi Sau Memorial House, participate in historical education programs, photo exhibitions, and seminars on her fighting spirit. Through this, the death anniversary ceremony becomes a means of nurturing character, inspiring a courageous life, the will to strive, and responsibility towards the community, from individuals to society.

The combination of commemorative rituals with educational activities helps the younger generation understand that patriotism is not just theory but is expressed through concrete actions, through sacrifice and dedication to common ideals, like the example of Vo Thi Sau.

4.2. Spiritual value passed down through generations

Besides the historical significance, the Vo Thi Sau death anniversary ceremony also carries deep spiritual value, preserved by the communities in Con Dao, Dat Do, and many other localities through generations. People believe the heroine is always sacred and blesses those who sincerely come to offer incense, pray for peace and good deeds.

The commemoration ceremony of heroine Vo Thi Sau carries many historical values, preserved through many generations (Source: Collected)

Many oral stories about the "spiritual efficacy" of Vo Thi Sau, small miracles, or protection in daily life have contributed to building faith and a benevolent heart in the community. Offering incense, lighting candles, and reciting prayers during the commemoration ceremony have become spiritual acts, helping people slow down, turn towards values of morality, love, and social responsibility.

These values are passed down from generation to generation, both strengthening the connection with national history and enhancing the sense of morality and humanity in the community, making the commemoration ceremony of Vo Thi Sau both solemn and rich in humanity.

4.3. Spiritual Tourism Appeal in Con Dao

Today, the tomb of Vo Thi Sau at Nghia Trang Hang Duong Cemetery has become an important destination in spiritual tourism journeys in Con Dao. Annually, besides local residents, many visitors from all over, especially those who love history and beliefs, come here to attend the commemoration ceremony of Vo Thi Sau, offer incense, and commemorate.

The pilgrimage journey to her tomb not only carries spiritual significance but also helps visitors understand more deeply about revolutionary history, feel the indomitable spirit and passionate patriotism of Vo Thi Sau. The combination of solemn rituals, the sacred natural space of Con Dao, and the story of the heroine has created a special attraction, turning the commemoration ceremony of Vo Thi Sau into a prominent tourist – cultural – spiritual destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

5. Experience Attending the Commemoration Ceremony of Vo Thi Sau

5.1. Preparing Time and Transportation

To attend the commemoration ceremony of Vo Thi Sau, planning your time is extremely important. If traveling to Con Dao, you should book high-speed boat or plane tickets several weeks in advance, especially during the commemoration ceremony on January 23rd (Gregorian calendar), as this is peak season with a large number of visitors.

In Dat Do, the commemoration ceremony usually takes place at the end of the lunar year; you should also arrange your itinerary in advance to avoid congestion and lack of accommodation. Attendees can combine travel to Con Dao – Dat Do, visit the Memorial House, Nghia Trang Hang Duong Cemetery, and nearby historical sites, both commemorating and experiencing culture – history.

5.2. Appropriate Attire and Items

As the commemoration ceremony of Vo Thi Sau is solemn, visitors should wear polite, neat attire, avoiding overly colorful or revealing clothing. If attending the ceremony outdoors at Nghia Trang Hang Duong Cemetery, you should wear comfortable shoes and a hat/cap, a jacket if it's chilly, as the space is large and involves a lot of movement.

Visitors should choose polite attire when attending the anniversary ceremony of heroine Vo Thi Sau (Source: Collected)

Additionally, it is advisable to prepare incense, flowers, or traditional incense sticks if you wish to offer sacrifices, and bring drinking water, notepads, or cameras to capture moments while still respecting the ceremony. Some people also prepare small items for charitable activities at the cemetery or in the locality, which is both suitable for customs and shows sincerity.

5.3. Notes on rituals and participation

When attending the Vo Thi Sau anniversary ceremony, it is necessary to adhere to rituals and customs: queue up to offer incense as guided, remain silent during the moment of silence, and do not climb on graves or restricted areas without permission. Pay attention to the ceremony schedule to participate in all solemn rites without causing disruption or crowding.

If traveling in a group, it is advisable to arrive early to participate in the incense offering ceremony, take commemorative photos in permitted areas, and join cultural-educational activities such as exhibitions and presentations about Vo Thi Sau's life. This is a way to both experience and respect the historical, spiritual, and cultural values of the anniversary.

5.4. Combining visits to nearby historical sites

Attendees can combine the anniversary journey with visits to surrounding historical and cultural sites. In Con Dao, one should visit Hang Duong Cemetery, Con Dao Prison, Ba Phi Yen Temple, and Con Dao Museum. In Dat Do, one can visit the Vo Thi Sau Memorial House, revolutionary relics, and local scenic spots.

This combination not only helps to deeply understand the history, culture, and indomitable spirit of Vo Thi Sau but also turns the trip into a complete experiential journey, combining commemoration with exploration.

The Vo Thi Sau anniversary ceremony is not just a simple memorial rite but also a journey connecting the past and the present, where everyone can express gratitude, feel the historical value, and learn from the indomitable spirit of the heroine. Through solemn ceremonies at Hang Duong Cemetery, the Memorial, and the Memorial House, people, students, youth, and visitors are reminded of patriotism, courage, and the noble sacrifice of Vo Thi Sau.