Che jars in the Ede’s life
VOV.VN - The Ede ethnic minority people in the Central Highlands have developed rich cultural values, which are closely associated with terraced field cultivation.
Some Che jars of the Ede |
For ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, including the Ede, Che jars are precious assets. Ches are not only alcohol containers, but a family’s treasure. They give Che jars as presents or for compensating others for their mistakes.
In the long houses of the Ede, Ches are outstanding items among bronze pots, gongs, and a Neu tree, which is a high bamboo pole believed to chase evil spirits away. Gongs are sacred items while Che jars represent family’s prosperity and power.
Some Ches jars worth 7 to 10 buffalos |
Y Bhiao Mlo displays many valuable Ches of different sizes in his long house in Buon Ho town. Some are empty, some contain alcohol. Y Bhiao Mlo says he brought Ches from traders and they are worth about ten to a hundred USD. Now when some traditional rituals are falling into oblivion and antique dealers are seeking for old Ches, it’s not easy for him to buy more.
Y Bhiao Mlo says “I have 20 Ches of 5 types. I just bought an old Tang jar. A fire in 1973 destroyed many Ches of my parents. I cannot buy similar ones. I’m willing to pay for ancient Ches because I want to preserve my group’s tradition. We need them for worship ceremonies and keep them for our children.”
When they buy, sell, or give a Che away as a present, both the giver and the receiver perform a ritual to inform the family genies and ancestors of the event. If they carelessly break a Che, they hold a ceremony to apologize genies and the owner of the Che.
Ches of alcohol show the hospitality of the house’s owner and the community.