Unique pole-raising ceremony of the Bh'noong people | QUANG NAM ONLINE NEWSPAPER

(QNO) - The pole-raising ceremony was restored at the 2023 Bh'noong Traditional Cultural Festival of Phuoc Son district on the afternoon of May 13.

Within the framework of the cultural festival, the Bh'noong people of Phuoc Duc commune (Phuoc Son) reenacted the pole-raising ceremony. Photo: NC

According to the Bh'noong people, the pole is an important part of their beliefs and spirituality.

Before erecting the pole, the village elder will prepare offerings including agarwood, a newly opened bottle of rice wine, a bunch of reeds and a rooster. The village elder burns agarwood and smokes around the base of the tree to call the gods inside the pole such as the tree god, the vine god, the grass god, the cotton god...

Before erecting the pole, the village elder performed a ritual to ask permission from the gods. Photo: NC

Then, the village elder holds the rooster’s leg and puts it on the pole, reads the prayer, and makes a commitment to the gods. The gods’ “agreement” or “disagreement” will be determined by looking at the “beautiful” or “ugly” chicken leg.

About 3 to 5 strong men will join the village elder in erecting the pole. The pole is erected in a pre-dug hole. After placing the pole in the hole, everyone lifts the pole up and down 11 times, shouting and counting.

The pole is covered with a unique layer of bamboo cotton. Photo: NC

During the lowering process, if cotton fibers fall from the pole, it means the gods are pleased, happy, and bless the harvest. If no cotton fibers fall, it is believed that the business will fail that year and there will be many unlucky things.

This is a very important ritual in the life of the Bh'noong people. This unique ritual was performed by the village elders and the community of Phuoc Duc commune (Phuoc Son) at the 2023 Bh'noong Traditional Cultural Festival of Phuoc Son district on the afternoon of May 13.

Village elders decorate the tree. Photo: NC

Artifacts decorated around the tree trunk. Photo: NC

At the end of the pole, a pair of bells are attached to bring good luck. Photo: NC

While the village elder performed the ritual of worshipping the gods, the Bh'noong people cheered with drums and gongs. Photo: NC

The bustling gong rhythm creates a lively and attractive atmosphere. Photo: NC

Wine is poured into a gourd jar before being offered to the gods. Photo: NC

The sacrificial object was then placed inside the middle of the tree. Photo: NC

In addition to wine, there are a number of other offerings offered to the gods. Photo: NC

A child participates in the pole-raising ceremony. Photo: NC

The pole after being erected, soaring high into the blue sky. Photo: NC

Before ending the ritual, the village elder gently tapped the sacrificial object on the pole to express gratitude, pray for favorable weather, and for the villagers to unite. Photo: NC

The pole has become a traditional festival space of the Bh'noong people in many events. Photo: NC

_{[ VIDEO ] - Bh'noong people reenact the pole-raising ceremony:}

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/phong-su-anh/doc-dao-nghi-thuc-dung-cay-neu-cua-dong-bao-bhnoong-142359.html