Tet of the Hmong ethnic group in Dien Bien
PSNews – When peach flowers and wild sunflowers are colorfully blossoming, H'mong people in Na Tong commune of Dien Bien province are preparing for their special festival, praying for a year of good weather, bumper harvests and good health.
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From Dien Bien Phu city, we passed 60km of a dangerous steep road to reach Gia Phu, Son Tong, Huoi Chang hamlets of Na Tong commune. These days, local H'mong people stop working on farms to eagerly prepare new clothes, clean their houses, cook food for the festival.
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| Source: Internet |
Gia Phu hamlet comprises 37 households with 246 people, most of whom are of the H'mong group. Although it is a poor hamlet in the border area, the H'mong locals always preserve their traditional culture.
Head of Gia Phu B hamlet, Mr. Thao A De said that on the lunar calendar, Tet (New Year festival) of the H’mong ethnic group starts from November 27th to December 12th. This is a good opportunity for all people to care for each other, give warm greetings and wishes to their neighbors.
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| Source: Internet |
One of the important cultural activities of the H'mong people on this occasion is the liturgy called "Lý". The master of the ceremony (sorcerer) uses a bamboo rod an yellow ribbons to implement the ritual around the H'mong's house and uses a chicken as a sacrifice.
When the master continues offering the sacrifice, the owner of the house will glue red papers on all things of the house, such as motorbike and water tank. H’Mong people think that everything has their own spirit, and the red papers will call on all spirits to participate in the festival.
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| Source: Internet |
At about 2 am of the first day of New Year, owners will go to the nearest water sources to get water and then put it on their altar, praying for good things in the New Year.
Additionally, young people wear colorful traditional costumes, play traditional games and "Throw Pao" is the most favourite folk game of mountainous people. After finishing the game, they will talk and exchange information. their marriages in the future may result from the New Year talks and exchanges.
