Son La showcases traditional ethnic culture through new rice celebration performance

Artisans and local performers from Thuan Chau commune staged a reenactment of the Kho Mu ethnic group’s new rice celebration festival, highlighting the province’s rich cultural heritage.

The offering tray for the Kho Mu ethnic group’s new rice celebration in Thuan Chau commune.

Among the Kho Mu ethnic community, the new rice celebration has been passed down through generations. The ritual reflects the Kho Mu people’s deep gratitude to the deities and ancestors for blessing their villages with abundant harvests.

The shaman performs the new rice celebration ritual.

The ritual takes place after the harvest season, typically between November and December on the solar calendar, or September and October on the lunar calendar. Each family offers newly harvested sticky rice along with other local products such as pork, chicken, sticky rice, rice wine, sweet potatoes, taro, betel nuts, salt, incense, flowers, and fruits to thank the deities and ancestors for a bountiful crop.

To wish for health, luck, and peace, the ceremony also features a wrist-tying ritual. The threads symbolise community unity and prayers for good fortune in the coming year. This long-standing Kho Mu tradition is commonly held during major occasions such as Lunar New Year, housewarmings, weddings, welcoming guests, or farewells. Through the ritual, the Kho Mu express gratitude to their ancestors, strengthen community bonds, and show their hope for a prosperous and happy life.

A reenactment of the new rice celebration ritual.

The ritual is a profound cultural tradition that should be preserved and promoted to sustain and spread the unique identity of the Kho Mu community in Son La.

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