The Hmong people's "reasoning" for drinking alcohol with their legs crossed.

(Baonghean.vn) - In the drinking customs of the people in the highlands of Nghe An, each ethnic group possesses distinct cultural characteristics. While the Khmu people sing "tom" songs while drinking, the Mong people have their own unique way of drinking alcohol using their "two feet."

Once, we had the opportunity to attend the wedding of a Hmong couple in Nam Can commune (Ky Son district). From early morning, in the small house thatched with traditional cypress wood, some people were butchering pigs, others were preparing vegetables for the wedding of the girl who had been married just a few days earlier.

As soon as we arrived at the gate, Mr. Xong Chong Thong, the bride's uncle, ran out to greet us and seated us at a table for the "ceremonial ritual." While chatting, Mr. Chong Thong quickly poured two full glasses of wine onto a plate. "Now I'm the host, I'll drink first so everyone else can follow," Xong Chong Thong explained.

In Hmong celebrations, a glass of wine is an indispensable drink. Photo: Dao Tho

Holding a plate in his left hand and a wine glass in his right, he said to the person next to him, "Don't drink too much," and then drank it all. Despite the guests' explanations that their tolerance was limited, Xong Chong Thong still carefully checked each person's drink before shaking their hand.

He explained that this is a Hmong custom; only by drinking in a round like this can fairness be demonstrated among those participating in the drinking session. Furthermore, when celebrating, one must drink two cups at a time to symbolize having both a wife and a husband, wishing for a happy life. After one person finishes drinking, they pour for the person next to them and offer a toast, and so on until the round is over.

Bamboo wine cups are placed on plates to toast each other. Photo: Dao Tho

Mr. Lau Xai Phia, a respected village elder in Nam Khien (Nam Can) village, also told us: The lives of the Hmong people mainly depend on the mountains and forests, so their legs are a very important part of their body.

Therefore, at every celebration involving a glass of wine, they usually toast each other with two glasses at a time, ensuring their two legs are steady and they never stumble. Perhaps that's why, whenever we sit by the fire enjoying the strong, flavorful corn wine of the Hmong people, we often hear them say, "You have to walk on two legs."

At each celebration, the Hmong people drink two cups at a time in a round, which they call "walking on two legs." Photo: Dao Tho

According to Mr. Lau Xai Phia, the Hmong only "walk on two legs" during joyous occasions; at funerals, they also drink in a circle, but only one cup each time. This is to express the family's loss and the condolences of the village community.

At weddings, after the shaman finishes the ritual, he must pour the wine from the cup to the right to invite the ancestors to partake; at funerals, he pours it to the left to pray for the souls to find peace on the other side of the "shell-shaped" area.

In fact, if you're not familiar with the Hmong drinking style, many strangers can easily be "shocked" by having to drink two glasses at once. However, nowadays many people are gradually realizing the harmful effects of alcohol and have reduced or abandoned this way of drinking.

Dao Tho