The Cam Muong festival, also known as the hamlet-worshipping festival, is a unique and vibrant celebration held by the Lu ethnic people in Lai Chau province, Vietnam. It’s a time for the community to come together, express their gratitude to the spirits of the mountains and rivers, and pray for good health, bountiful harvests, and prosperity in the coming year.
The Ritual Ceremony part
For the Lu people, from ancient times until now, the Cam Muong festival has always been held very solemnly and is usually held on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month every year. Each family will appoint a male representative to attend the worshiping ceremony. When they return, there will be good fortune for those at home.
The offerings include a chicken, wine and a pig contributed by the villagers. In addition to these offerings, the Lu people also placed 18 green and yellow paper boats on the ceremony table. These colors all have their own meanings. The green represents forests and vigorous vitality and the yellow represents the rice, prosperity, and comfort.
The worshiping procedure is divided into four different parts: God-inviting ceremony, supplication ceremony, Cam Muong ceremony and closing rituals. The master of a ritual should be an old and respected person. During the ceremony, there are no flutes, drums, or any kind of musical instruments because Lu people believe that the sound will detract from the ritual’s sacredness and mystery. The service takes place in the shade of a big tree rather than in a house. It’s said that Gods reside in all big trees. Especially in mountain regions, there is a so-called sacred forest in each commune. All villagers, old and young, male and female, are responsible for safeguarding this place, which is believed in return to protect them.
Three bamboo offering trays have been set up. The main offering tray is placed on the altar, close to the tree, and two secondary offering trays on both sides. On the main tray there are 12 cups of wine, 12 cups of water, clothes, a pig’s head, wine, colored sticky rice, a mirror, a paper boat, an umbrella, a silver bracelet, a bowl of rice, a bowl of paddy. On two side trays, arrange cups of wine, boiled pork, paper boat, and colored sticky rice.
After the ceremony trays have been arranged, the master of a ritual reads a statement declaring the reason for holding the festival. The ceremony begins after the master and three assistant priests bow three times, then read the offerings. They will read prayers to the gods, hoping they will bless all good things that will come to the villagers in the coming year.
The Festival part
After the ritual, young men playing flutes accompany girls singing folk songs. Traditional games like ‘con throwing’, tug-of-war, and stick fighting are an important part of the festival. It’s believed those who lose will have bad luck, while the victors will enjoy good luck. At the end of the festival, water is splashed around to wash away everyone’s bad luck.
It is said that during the 3-day festival, Lu people are not allowed to chop down trees, cut firewood, or pick vegetables. They can only gather at home to play, eat, and drink comfortably. Non-family members are allowed to enter the house, and everyone who come to visit is invited to enjoy food outside
The Closing part
The Cam Muong festival of the Lu people in Sin Ho district gives prominence to the role of community folk cultural activities. They believe that after organizing the ceremony, villagers are more unified and love each other more. The beautiful cultural identity of the Lu people needs to be preserved and developed.
The Cam Muong festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Lu ethnic people. It’s a beautiful and captivating celebration that offers a glimpse into the unique traditions and beliefs of this fascinating community.
If you ever have the opportunity to witness the Cam Muong festival firsthand, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Lu people and their way of life.
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