The ceremony is usually presided over by a village elder, village head, or a respected person. (photo: Manh Phuong/VOV)

As subsistence farmers, the Tay and Nung people in Thai Nguyen often seek blessings from supernatural powers. Luong Phuc Kiem, who presides over this year’s crop praying ceremony, said that the event, known as Long Tong or Going-to-the-field Festival, is usually held in the first week of the 8th or 9th lunar month:

“The ritual is held to pray for good weather, abundant harvests, and fertile livestock,” said Kiem.

Nguyen The Anh, from Lam Vy commune, said: “All people participate in spiritual and cultural activities, which help strengthen community bonding. It’s also an occasion to pass on our cultural values. People make wishes for good fortune and success in life.”

The master of ceremony represents the community in offering ceremonial items and prayers to the deities. (photo: Manh Phuong/ VOV)

The ceremony is usually presided over by a village elder, village head, or a respected person who has profound knowledge of traditions and customs. The master of ceremony, often a shaman, represents the community in offering ceremonial items and prayers to the deities. He recites ancient prayers, expressing deep reverence to the deities for their protection and blessings in the past and the future.

Before the ceremony, a team decorates the altar and guides participants, especially young people, through the ritual procedures to ensure the event runs smoothly and remains faithful to tradition. Members of the team must be respectable persons, who are in good health and have harmonious families.

Ma Van Tram has many years of experience in arranging the offerings. “The offerings should include boiled chicken, sticky rice, a pig’s head, incense, votive paper, and a tray of fruits. Rice, corn, and bean seedlings are also offered to the deities and village gods. Those participating in the ritual team should have both sons and daughters,” said Tram.

After the ritual, the villagers and visitors join various cultural activities, such as transplanting rice contests, cooking, throwing shuttlecock, tug of war, and playing the khen panpipe and the tinh lute.

After the rituals and entertainment activities, the offerings are shared among the participants for good luck. In some places, there is also a ritual of escorting the deity statue from the village communal house to the fields.

Pham Quang Sang is Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Trung Hoi commune. “We place great importance on preserving and promoting cultural values. Continuing to promote these beautiful traditions helps develop community tourism associated with existing historical relics.”