The ritual of harvesting rice to pray for a good harvest – a spiritual thread connecting people with deities and ancestors.

As one of the oldest ethnic groups residing in northwestern Vietnam, the Khmu people possess a rich and unique treasure trove of folk culture.

Stemming from animistic beliefs, they believe that the sky, earth, fields, and natural elements all possess souls that constantly watch over and directly influence their lives and production.

Table for displaying offerings during the harvest ritual to pray for a good harvest.

Clothes and silver bracelets are displayed respectfully on the offering tray.

It was this primal belief that gave rise to the ritual of harvesting rice to pray for a good harvest – a spiritual thread connecting people with deities and ancestors.

Every year, around November or December, when the rice in the fields has ripened and been harvested into piles, the people excitedly organize this ceremony.

Pork and rice are two indispensable items on the offering tray.

The ritual of pouring wine to offer to the gods.

The ritual of harvesting rice to pray for a good harvest is not only a purely agricultural ceremony but also a unique cultural and spiritual tapestry, expressing the aspiration for prosperity and harmony between humans and nature.

This is also an occasion for the villagers to express their deep gratitude to the deities for granting favorable weather, protecting the rice and corn from pests and diseases, and to pray that the golden grains will always be heavy, filling the granaries and bringing peace and joy to the village.

The master of ceremonies informs the ancestors and local deities, as well as the forefathers, about the harvest ceremony and asks permission to proceed.

To ensure the ceremony was solemn and authentic, the entire community of Nậm Pù village worked together with meticulous division of labor.

While women take on the responsibility of environmental sanitation and venture deep into the forest to find the freshest wildflowers and vegetables, the young men are busy cutting bamboo, building shelters, and constructing tables for displaying offerings.

The ceremony was conducted solemnly and respectfully, with the participation of many villagers.

The master of ceremonies performs the ritual and prays to the gods for a bountiful harvest, health, and peace for everyone.

Meanwhile, respected elders in the village carefully prepare traditional ethnic clothing and meticulously craft each word of the prayer.

The atmosphere became even more lively with the vibrant rhythms of the musical instruments, ready for the grand celebration.

All these preparations were directed towards a single purpose: to offer the deities the most sincere devotion of the villagers.

A festive atmosphere erupted as everyone joined together to perform the rice harvesting ritual.

The young men thresh the rice.

At the beginning of the ceremony, in the sacred space, the offerings are arranged simply but fully with local produce, usually a pig weighing about 30kg, various kinds of wild flowers, incense, rice wine, sticky rice, along with cakes, candies, and tea.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the master of ceremonies respectfully lights incense and informs the ancestors and local deities about the harvest festival.

The ritual of winnowing rice

Women in the village sifting rice

After threshing and winnowing, the rice is collected into sacks to be taken home.

Standing before the offering tray, the shaman recites the prayer in a slow, solemn voice, inviting the gods of Heaven, Earth, Mountains, Forests, Streams, Water, and especially the god of Rice – the soul of the rice grain – to witness the ceremony.

The prayer echoed through the vast forest like a heartfelt confession: “For the past year, the villagers have cultivated the fields thanks to the blessings of the gods, and now the rice is good and the grain is abundant. We respectfully ask the gods to protect the rice so that it doesn't get wet when drying, doesn't get moldy when stored, and is not damaged by rats or birds... May the village be peaceful and happy, the children have enough to eat, and all families be united.”

Numerous tourists attended the rice harvesting ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest at the Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village.

After the prayers concluded, a festive atmosphere erupted as everyone joined together to thresh the rice, sift the grain, and perform the harvest ritual.

The sound of drums and lively music filled the air as the villagers danced together in circles around the pile of rice, celebrating the joy of a bountiful harvest.

This reenactment of the ritual included the participation of a delegation of Khơ Mú ethnic people from Huổi Một commune.

Locals and tourists drink rice wine together to celebrate the festival.

After the ceremony, the Khơ Mú ethnic people, locals, and tourists joined in singing and dancing.

According to Mr. Pham Quang Duc, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Huoi Mot commune, this is a great source of pride and emotion for the local people as they contribute to introducing the ethnic identity of Son La to people nationwide as well as international tourists in the capital city.

Currently, Huoi Mot commune has approximately 3,000 inhabitants belonging to the Mong, Thai, Sinh Mun, and Kho Mu ethnic groups.

Foreign tourists were delighted and impressed by the reenactment of the Khơ Mú people's rice harvesting ritual to pray for a good harvest.

The Huoi Mot commune government always prioritizes the preservation of the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities, from supporting village art troupes to maintain regular activities to organizing characteristic festivals such as the Gau Tao festival of the Mong people or cultural and sports festivals…

The Khơ Mú people's rice harvesting ritual at the Vietnam Ethnic Groups Cultural and Tourism Village is not just a performance, but also an affirmation of the vibrant vitality of traditional culture in contemporary life, contributing to strengthening national unity and enriching the treasure trove of Vietnamese national culture.

HUY AN