(VOVworld) – The northern mountainous province of Lai Chai is home to 20 ethnic groups with Lu people mainly inhabiting in the Sin Ho and Tam Duong districts. The spiritual culture of the Lu is diverse with many special customs. The most typical is Cam Muong, the hamlet worshipping festival, which is held annually from the beginning of the first month to the early third month of the lunar calendar.
Offerings are put on the altar ahead of Cam Muong ritual. (Photo: VOV)
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During the Cam Muong festival the Lu villagers sacrifice animals to river and mountain gods to gain good health and drive bad luck away. Tao Van Coong, a Lu person, says:
“On the official holiday, each villager will contribute a chicken and they will pool their money to buy wine and pigs to prepare the offering. Through the ritual, we hope to get a bumper crop, enough food for daily consumption and some extra to stockpile, and good health and prosperity for everybody in the commune.”
Shamen are preparing an altar. (Photo: VOV)
Food, beverages, and 18 green and yellow paper boats are placed on the altar. The green represents forests and vigorous vitality and the yellow represents the rice, prosperity, and comfort.
From the ancient times, the Cam Muong festival has been organized. Each family sends a male representative to participate in the rituals and bring gifts from the people at home. The master of a ritual should be an old and respected person.
During the ceremony, there are no flutes, drums, or any kind of musical instruments because they Lu believe that the sound will detract from the ritual’s sacredness and mystery. The service takes place in the shade of a big tree rather than in a house. Do Ha Long, deputy Director of Lai Chau’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department, says:
“It’s said that Gods reside in all big trees. Especially in mountain regions, there is a so-called sacred forest in each commune. All villagers, old and young, male and female, are responsible for safeguarding this place, which is believed in return to protect them.”
Folk games are an indispensable part of the festival. (Photo: VOV)
After the ritual, young men playing flutes accompany girls singing folk songs. Traditional games like ‘con throwing’, tug-of-war, and stick fighting are an important part of the festival. It’s believed those who lose will have bad luck, while the victors will enjoy good luck. At the end of the festival, water is splashed around to wash away everyone’s bad luck. Shaman Tao Van On notes:
“During the 3-day festival, Lu people are not allowed to chop down trees, cut firewood, or pick vegetables. They can only gather at home to play, eat, and drink comfortably. Non-family members are allowed to enter the house, and everyone who come to visit is invited to enjoy food outside.”
The Cam Muong festival of the Lu people in Sin Ho district gives prominence to the role of community folk cultural activities. They believe that after organizing the ceremony, villagers are more unified and love each other more. The beautiful cultural identity of the Lu people needs to be preserved and developed.