Traditionally, every March, the authorities and people of Ia Pếch commune (Ia Grai district, Gia Lai province) hold a forest worship ceremony to thank the forest spirits for protecting the villagers, blessing them with favorable weather, and ensuring bountiful harvests. This year's ceremony was held at Ia Co stream, Ograng village, with the participation of local Party committees, authorities, forest rangers, commune police, and a large number of local people.
Before the ceremony, young men from the village, along with forest protection and management forces, went into the sacred forest area to clear the undergrowth and select the cleanest water source for the ceremony. The offerings were meticulously prepared by the villagers and placed respectfully in the sacred corner of the forest designated by the village elder.
Sacrificial offerings are prepared for the Forest Worship Ceremony.
In the sacred forest, village elder Siu Dơih (born in 1947) - the chief officiant of the ceremony - along with his successor, solemnly recited prayers in the Jrai language. After the prayers, the elder poured rice wine from a jar to offer to the spirits and shared the offerings with everyone. The villagers then enjoyed the rice wine and grilled meat together right in the sacred forest, in a solemn and warm atmosphere.
The forest worship ceremony not only reflects the beliefs of the Jrai people but also serves as an effective method to raise awareness about forest protection. Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Ia Grai District Forest Management Unit, stated that the natural forest area, covering 568 hectares, is managed by the communities of Ograng and De Chi villages in Ia Pech commune. After the ceremony, the villagers no longer cut down trees or hunt wild animals, but instead actively participate in forest protection contracts and harvest bamboo shoots and honey to improve their livelihoods.
Chairman of the Ia Pếch Commune People's Committee, Ngô Khôn Tuấn, emphasized: The forest worship ceremony is an indispensable part of the spiritual and cultural life of the Jrai people. It is not only an occasion to perform rituals to the supernatural but also demonstrates the deep connection with the forest and nature of each individual. The people have a good understanding and participate with the local government in protecting the forest. The local government always encourages everyone to preserve this beautiful tradition and to do a good job of protecting the forest.
Local authorities and villagers witnessed the village elder performing the ritual of offering sacrifices to the forest spirit during the Forest Worship Ceremony.
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dai (born in 1990, residing in Pleiku City) shared that he was introduced to the Jrai people's forest worship ceremony by friends and was eager to participate. The majestic old-growth forest, the sacred rituals, and the harmonious and united atmosphere made it a unique cultural tradition that needs to be preserved.
The Jrai people's forest worship ceremony is not only a spiritual ritual but also a testament to their indigenous knowledge in forest protection. For generations, the Jrai people have had strict regulations such as not encroaching on the sacred forest, and not hunting or exploiting resources in the sacred area. This is how the Jrai preserve the forest, considering it an inseparable part of their lives.
Local authorities and residents hope that the forest worship ceremony will continue to be maintained, not only to preserve traditional culture but also to safeguard valuable resources for future generations.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doc-dao-le-cung-rung-cua-dong-bao-jrai-a417592.html
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