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| Right moves: Young women dance at the ritual. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
Viet Nam News
The Viet Nam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in the western ouskirts of Ha Noi recently hosted Thanks Gods ritual of Co Tu ethnic minority group from A Luoi District, central province of Thua Thien-Hue.
The event was organised in a series of activities to celebrate the Viet Nam Ethnic Culture Day (April 19).
The ritual is always held in the second or third month of the lunar year, when locals finish harvesting crops and prepare for a new planting season. The traditional ritual, which is organised inside locals communal house, is called nha Guoi in Vietnamese, dedicated to gods of heaven, land, river, stream and forest.
The ritual aims to thank the gods for their protection for locals to harvest good crops, raise healthy poultry and wish for good health, good weather and good fortune.
The event is also a chance for locals to exchange, dance, sing and play folk games.
Co Tu people believe every object has a spirit and people’s fates belong to super natural powers. That’s why worshipping nature’s gods is a tradition in Co Tu group’s spiritual life.
Co Tu group is also know as Ca Tu, Ha Phuong or Ca Tang group. They live mostly in central of Viet Nam and lower regions of Laos. At present, the group has population of around 76,000 people. — VNS
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| Good times: The ritual is a chance for the group to exchange stories and enjoy each other’s company. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
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| Cheers: Visitors drink wine through straw. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
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| Getting ready: An old man prepares offerings for the worship ceremony. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
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| New friends: The ritual is a chance for people to meet and greet each other. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
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| Full swing: Women dance at the ritual. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
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| Right beat: Men play traditional instruments. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
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| Dedication: The ritual dedicates gods of heaven, land, river, stream and forest. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat |
OVietnam