In lunar July, the Thai minority in Muong Lo holds their ritual to worship buffalo's "vía". This is a really unique custom of this ethnic minority. This custom has been long-standing and maintained to date by generations of the Thai people in Muong Lo.
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This ritual is solemnly held early morning of "xíp xí" Tet, thoft for lunar 14th July. For the Thai minority, this is really a significant ritual. As to ancient calendar of the Thai minority, this Tet is called Mid-Jan Tet. At this time, transplantation has been completed in every family; buffalos have helped their human being to finish a hard farming and they therefore need some time to refresh themselves for next crops. Buffalos are considered to be close friends of farmers and their image closely sticks to the Thai's life and they also accompany human being in the world of the dead. As a result, buffalos' "vía" need worshipping.
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| Buffalo always accompanies the Thai's life |
Early on the day of ritual, buffalo is carefully washed. A tray of offerings is prepared including: a small boiled chicken, a bowl of steamed rice, a bowl of rice, a plate of salt, candles, incenses, number of buffalos is in accordance with number of cups of wine.
Rituals execution may either resort to "Mo" lady or the host himself. Prayers are of great simplicity expressing the role and affection of human being toward their useful animals; hard work of buffalos in agricultural work. In the mean time, the prayer also mentions human being's deeds toward buffalos, etc. Lastly, buffalos are offered achievements that have been brought about thanks to their great help: Buffalo/ buffalo's "vía", please enjoy....Wine is so sweet....Steamed rice is much delicious, aromatic, white, glutinous, hygienic, etc.
Upon completion of prayers, Mo lade pours wine and salt onto buffalo's mouth; and then feed female buffalo with steamed rice/chicken/tender grass first and then others. At the same time, people take turns to feed buffalos with grass, steamed rice, chicken meat; comfort and fondle them on their back. Steamed glutinous rice and chicken meat are wrapped by adults for children to bring to field where buffalos are tended.
Next day, places without tending ground, people then send their animals to Mong (Mông) and Dao ethnic minorities' villages.
Ritual of buffalo's "vía" worshipping of the Thai minority in Muong Lo bears the stamp of wet rice civilization which strongly symbolizes Vietnamese national characters. This custom not only expresses respectfulness toward buffalos who industriously work to help human being to get valuable foods, but also honors their great effort at work, which both convey beautiful senses of humanity.
Luu Hai (Collected)
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