An ancestral worship ceremony paying homage to Huangdi, or Yellow Emperor, was held Thursday in Xinzheng, central China's Henan province.

An ancestral worship ceremony paying homage to Huangdi, or Yellow Emperor, is held Thursday in Xinzheng, central China's Henan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Over 5,000 people from around the globe attended the event, including overseas Chinese, experts across various fields such as culture, arts, calligraphy and media, and representatives from the science and economic sectors. They came together to pay respects to Huangdi, praying for the prosperity of the nation and peace and harmony worldwide.

Huangdi is considered in Chinese mythology to be the ancestor of Han Chinese who laid foundation to Chinese civilization. In the legends, Xinzheng is known as Huangdi's hometown.

The ceremony, which started around 9:40 a.m., included nine specific rituals: a ceremonial cannon salute, laying of flower baskets, hand purification and incense offering, collective ancestor worship, the reading of the worship text, singing of hymns, musical and dance tributes, prayers for China's well-being, and the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity. These rituals have been recognized by the State Council as a national intangible cultural heritage.

For the fifth year, the event also featured an online ancestral worship platform, enabling virtual participation from across the world.

After the ceremony, participants also had the opportunity to explore Henan's rich culture and learn about the socio-economic development of the Yellow Emperor's hometown in the new era.

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