'Strange' longevity celebration of Mong people in Nghe An
(Baonghean.vn) - Unlike other ethnic communities, the longevity celebration of the Mong people in Nghe An is held on any day of the year. The longevity celebration goes through many elaborate and complicated rituals unique to the Mong people.
| Clip of Mong people's longevity celebration. |
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The longevity celebration of the Mong people in Nghe An is usually held by children on any day of the year when their parents reach the age of 60, 70, 80... to wish them health and peace. Photo: Ho Phuong |
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| This longevity celebration goes through many "strange" rituals, in which the shaman plays a significant role. Mr. Cu Ga Lau in Tien Tieu village (Nam Can commune - Ky Son), a person who just celebrated his 60th birthday, said: The shaman was invited to perform prayers lasting 4-5 hours to chase away bad things and bring good things to him and his wife. Photo: Ho Phuong |
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| The altar is simply decorated but must have wine, buffalo horn, incense, water and roasted rice. Photo: Ho Phuong |
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| Mong gongs and worshiping papers are also necessary items for shamans to perform rituals to pray for the homeowner. Photo: Ho Phuong |
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| The image of a couple in a longevity celebration was cut from worship paper for the shaman to perform the ceremony. This is the image that symbolizes health, crossing streams and forests despite old age. Photo: Ho Phuong |
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| The uncle also has the role of performing all rituals according to the shaman's instructions. For the Mong ethnic community, the uncle is the one who witnesses and participates in all important tasks in a person's life. Photo: Dao Tho |
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| Mr. Cu Ga Lau and his wife are the two main characters who celebrated their 60th birthday. Photo: Dao Tho |
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| Everyone attending the ceremony will perform the ritual of tying a thread around the homeowner's wrist to pray for the homeowner's health, peace, and filial children. Photo: Dao Tho |
