Thai people in Nghe An worship 'pu xua' - the root of an ancient tree

The custom of worshipping “pu xua” has existed for a long time and is maintained regularly by Thai communities in Chau Tien commune, Quy Chau district, and usually takes place after the harvest. When establishing a village, to determine the “pu xua” tree, the shaman must perform a ceremony and throw bamboo cards or coins. If one is heads up and the other is tails up, the tree has been chosen by the gods. Some places use boiled eggs thrown at the base of the tree. If the egg breaks, it is also a signal that the gods have approved the tree. Photo: Huu Vi

According to the beliefs of the Thai and Khmu communities in Nghe An, the ancient tree where the communal temple of the village is located. This ancient tree is called the "pu xua" tree and is the residence of the guardian spirit of the village. Photo: HV

Offerings for this custom are usually pork, pig head, chicken, sticky rice, “moc” (sprouted meatballs), raw cotton fabric, and rice wine. There are also fruits. Photo: HV

Bua village, Chau Tien commune is where this ceremony is held on a large scale when the whole village goes up the mountain to worship the "pu xua" tree. The remaining villages usually only have offerings from the management board, representing the villagers. Photo: HV

The “pu xua” worship ceremony is not yet known to many people. This is an internal community custom but still retains the original features of tradition. Photo: HV