(Baonghean.vn) - The Mong people in Nghe An are given their initial names by their parents when they are born, however, after getting married, the son-in-law must bring his wife's parents back to give them a new name. This new name will follow them throughout their lives until they die. This is a unique custom of the Mong community in the western region of Nghe An.
 |
| Mong men in Nghe An always have two names, one given by their parents at birth and one given by their wife's parents. |
 |
| Once married, depending on his circumstances, the groom must sooner or later invite his wife's parents to come and rename him. The shaman will ask the groom's ancestors to allow them to rename him. Of course, the name is new, but the surname does not change. |
 |
| The naming ceremony tray is very simple, consisting of only white rice, a bowl of meat, a bowl of water and a cup of wine. |
 |
| In case the wife's parents are no longer alive, the wife's uncle will have the right to decide on the name. In the photo: The wife's naming ceremony for Xong Ba Thai (Tham Hon village, Na Ngoi commune - Ky Son). The new name of Xong Ba Thai was given by the uncle as Xong Rua Thai. |
 |
| A khen was played during the naming ceremony. |
 |
| Pork is an indispensable food in the naming ceremony of the Mong people in Nghe An. |
 |
| After the pork is done, half of it must be divided among the maternal side. |
 |
| The joy of the groom when he has a new name given by his wife's family. |
 |
| Before entering the communal dining table, the Mong people place a basin of clean water in the middle of the table for the participants to "cleanse themselves". |
 |
| For the Mong people of Nghe An, only men are allowed to attend the festival meal, only the mother of the wife and husband are allowed to sit here. |
 |
| This is a unique traditional cultural feature of the Mong people of Nghe An to prove that relatives and maternal siblings play a very important role in married life. |
Dao Tho
