A paper offering for the spirits, a traditional craft of the Hmong people in Nghe An.

(Baonghean.vn) – The Hmong people in western Nghe An province have a tradition of making paper for worship every year. This paper has long been closely associated with the spiritual life of the Hmong people; it is used to worship spirits.

The craft of making paper for religious ceremonies has been maintained for a long time in the Hmong community of Nghe An province.

Ms. Lau Y Mai, from Buoc Mu village (Na Ngoi - Ky Son), explained to us: "Every person is born with a soul and spirit, and they need paper to worship their spirit. That's why Mong women, in addition to growing flax and stripping fibers, are all skilled at making paper for worship."

The bamboo stalks were brought in, washed clean, and then boiled thoroughly.

The Hmong people's method of making paper for ancestral altars is extremely simple. Ms. Y Mai explained that the main ingredients are young bamboo or reeds. At that age, the plants are no longer bamboo shoots but not yet mature bamboo. They are cut, split into small pieces, the outer layer is removed, and only the inner core is kept. These are then placed in a large pan. After each layer of young bamboo or reed, a layer of ash is spread on top. Then water is added and the mixture is boiled for half a day. When the ingredients are soft, they are removed, washed clean, and pounded into a paste.

Paper is spread out to dry for use in religious ceremonies.

To increase the durability of the paper, a type of resin from a forest tree is added to the pulp, then water is added and stirred well. At this point, the initial ingredients become a thick, viscous solution. Then, this thick liquid is scooped onto pieces of cloth and spread thinly. After drying in the sun, the paper can be peeled off and the next batch prepared. This process continues until the homeowner feels they have enough paper for their needs.

Every year, the Hmong people make their own paper and keep it at home for their families to use.

In the rituals of many clans or during ancestral worship ceremonies and festivals, the Hmong people always use this type of paper. According to Hmong beliefs, this paper brings good luck to the family when used to worship deities and ancestors. According to Mr. Xong Tong Cho, a resident of Buoc Mu village and husband of Ms. Lau Y Mai, in funerals, the Hmong Xong family must offer up to 200 bundles of this paper. These bundles are stacked on top of each other for the deceased to take to heaven, saving them the trouble of having to make more.

Whether it's New Year's or a funeral, these papers are used to pray for peace and to offer sacrifices to the souls of the deceased.

The Hmong people's papermaking craft dates back to ancient times and has become a beautiful aspect of their cultural tradition. These sheets of paper are never written on, never used for wrapping, but simply for worship. Every family, like the Kinh people, must have paper for Tet (Lunar New Year) offerings, just as they must have banh chung (traditional rice cakes) for worship.

Dao Tho