Traditional S’tieng spring blessing ritual brought to life in the capital

At the beginning of the new year, the S’tieng community gathers to perform traditional rituals and offer sacred offerings, praying for favourable weather, abundant harvests, and a prosperous life.

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The S’tieng community’s early-spring ritual for blessings and peace is typically held before or shortly after the Lunar New Year (around February–March), with village elders and respected members coming together to plan and decide on the ceremony.

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At dawn on the festival day, village elders carry out the ritual of raising ceremonial poles, a tall one standing in the main courtyard, and a smaller one planted in a basket of rice at the heart of the offerings.

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Ahead of the opening ceremony, spectators of all ages watch closely, filled with anticipation for the festivities to begin.

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Excited children gather, anticipating the festivities.

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The ceremony begins with a prayer for family peace and well-being, as the ritual leader guides the village elder to the heart of the long house, encircled by members of the ceremonial group.

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Offerings vary by village but often feature jars of rice wine, a pig’s head, bamboo-cooked rice, grilled meats, sticky rice, chicken, and traditional soups, all prepared with deep respect for the spirits.

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After prayers for family well-being, ritual members proceed with offerings to a crossbow hunting ground, where symbolic hunting rites and a thanksgiving ceremony for the Rice Mother spirit take place.

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As offerings are laid out, crowds gather at the ceremonial yard, ready to begin the festival of blessings and peace.

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The village elder prays to the spirits, conveying heartfelt reverence and hopes for prosperity and harmony in the village.

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The festival unfolds in a solemn yet warm atmosphere, reflecting both reverence and communal joy.

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S’tieng children attentively watch the festival, learning about their cultural roots and helping preserve traditional customs.

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The master of ceremonies performs the ritual of tying a sacred thread on the village elder’s wrist, praying for peace and good fortune.

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The master of ceremonies and ritual team perform the thread-tying ritual, praying for blessings and peace for both villagers and visitors.

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As the sacred threads are tied, the atmosphere bursts with cheering, gongs, and festive music, celebrating the success of the ceremony.

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“At the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, visitors don’t merely watch, they can take part, handle artifacts, and explore traditions firsthand, experiencing each community’s culture in a lively and personal way,” says Nguyen Hong Thai, deputy director of the village.