Preserving distinctive culture of Cống ethnic people in northern Vietnam

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 1

The Cống ethnic minority people have the 48th largest population among 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. In Lai Chau province, there are more than 1,500 Cống people living in six villages of Nam Nhun and Muong Te districts.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 2

Due to their clustered settlement habits, the Cống people’s ethnic cultural identity remains intact.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 3

In the past, corn was one of the main dishes of the Cống people and it was closely associated with long-held beliefs.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 4

The people value their spiritual life and the Corn festival is the biggest religious ritual of the year.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 5

Whether the festival is big or small depends on the tray of offerings as well as the products displayed on the tray.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 6

The festival is normally celebrated in the sixth lunar month every year when the rainy season begins.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 7

According to shaman Chang Van San, no one knows exactly when the Corn festival began, and they only know that this ritual has been passed down from generation to generation.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 8

This is an opportunity for the Cống people to report to their ancestors what they have done during the year, thanking their ancestors and gods for blessing them with healthy children, good livestock farming, and good harvests.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 9

After the ritual ends, the homeowner thanks the shaman and the shaman prays to the ancestors and gods for blessings.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 10

Then the locals, young and old, boys and girls, in the village join the festival in a joyful atmosphere.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 11

The folk dances recreate the Cống people’s routine activities in production and daily life.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 12

Drum beating and gong beating are indispensable during the festival

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 13

The Cống ethnic women in their traditional costume sing and dance excitedly during the festival

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 14

The Cống ethnic women look more beautiful in their traditional costume

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 15

They recreate the ritual of getting water during the Corn festival.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 16

For the Cống women, the Corn festival is an opportunity for them to put aside a hard working season and have fun together.

preserving distinctive culture of cong ethnic people in northern vietnam picture 17

Amid the bustling sound of drums and gongs, people of the Cống, Mảng, Si La, and Lự ethnic groups join hands in a circle, vowing to build a united community.