Son La’s ethnic traditions shine in Moi festival performance

Muong artisans and local performers in Phu Yen commune on October 9 staged an excerpt of the Moi festival, a vibrant folk ritual held in early spring to usher in a successful new farming season and a bountiful harvest.

The Moi shaman prepares the offering tray.

Today, the festival lasts three days, down from four in the past, blending ceremonial rites and festive activities. During the ritual, the shaman uses traditional songs to invite Moi ancestors from the heaven, followed by paternal and maternal ancestors, and land, river and mountain deities to partake in the offerings and bless the community with health, prosperity, and abundance.

The offering rite to Moi ancestors.

After offering to Moi ancestors, adopted children present their trays to thank the Moi shaman. The shaman then conducts a blessing ceremony for the children, wishing them health, happy families, and prosperity. At the end, the shaman reports to Moi ancestors that the community has celebrated the festival and asks for permission to perform the trau dance to send off ancestors back to the heaven.

Performing an excerpt of the Moi festival.

During the festival, performers showcase xoe, scarf, betel, sword, and cotton-planting dances that celebrate traditional customs and agricultural rituals. Participants strike bamboo tubes together and play khen flutes to provide a lively musical backdrop. While dancing, the Moi shaman walks in a circle around his adopted children and the villagers, draping scarves around their shoulders to invite them to join in the dancing alongside the shaman and attendants.

An excerpt of the Moi festival.

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