Preserving Tet traditions during the Spring Festival.

In many rural areas, on the third day of the Lunar New Year, many families still maintain the custom of "Buffalo Festival or Animal Festival" - as a way for farmers to show gratitude to the animals that are closely associated with production and daily life.

In many rural areas, on the third day of the Lunar New Year, many families still maintain the custom of "Buffalo Festival or Animal Festival" - as a way for farmers to show gratitude to the animals that are closely associated with production and daily life.

The tradition of giving pets "lucky money" at the beginning of the year.

Buffalo Festival customs

In the minds of farmers, buffaloes and oxen are not just livestock but also the "foundation of their livelihood." They were once the main draft animals used for plowing, tilling the land, and transporting rice, straw, and agricultural products. Beyond being a means of labor, the livestock herd is also an important accumulated asset for each family.

On the morning of the third day of Tet (Lunar New Year), after days of family gatherings, many livestock farmers wake up early to clean their barns, replace the straw, bathe their buffaloes and cows, and feed them fresh grass, bran, or better-tasting food than usual so that the animals can "celebrate Tet." Some families also set up offerings in front of the barns, lighting incense to pray for the health of their livestock, good growth, few diseases, and successful farming.

Ms. Ly Thi Nhien (Long Huu commune) said: In recent years, due to difficulties in buffalo grazing, people have gradually switched to raising cattle in confinement. Cattle farming has faced many challenges such as disease outbreaks, high feed costs, and fluctuating prices. Preserving the "Buffalo Festival" holds both spiritual significance and creates hope and motivation for people entering the new year. Currently, her family raises 4 cows and 10 breeding pigs, bringing in tens of millions of dong in profit each year, contributing to improving the family's living standards.

According to folk tradition, after praying, the owner pastes paper money (votive offerings) onto the forehead and horns of the oxen as a ritual of "giving lucky money" at the beginning of the year. This act signifies a wish for blessings, warding off bad luck, hoping for the animal's health, good reproduction, and successful and prosperous farming.

The custom of "Buffalo Festival" is also an opportunity to educate children. Adults tell children the story of "the buffalo goes first, the plow follows behind," teaching them to appreciate labor. Le Dinh Thu Cat (from Don Chau commune) recounts that every year she follows her grandfather to the barn on the morning of the third day of Tet, enjoying the "lucky money" he gives to the cows and listening to stories about farming.

Although machinery has replaced draft power, livestock farming remains an important livelihood for many households. Herds of buffalo and cattle not only provide income but also serve as a reserve fund during difficult times.

Show appreciation for pets.

"Buffalo Festival" has no flags or flowers, no festivities; just a cleaned barn, a bundle of fresh grass, a bucket full of water, and the owner's hand gently stroking the animal after a year of hard work. This simplicity creates a unique beauty of the countryside.

In Hiep My commune, Ms. Le Thi Chin (Giong Dai hamlet) currently raises more than 10 cows. Although her family no longer raises buffaloes as before, she maintains the tradition every year. According to Ms. Chin, this custom was passed down from her parents from the time when buffalo farming was still popular. On the morning of the 3rd day of the lunar month, she cleans the barn, changes the straw, and feeds the cows fresh grass "for good luck," hoping the herd will be healthy, grow quickly, and fetch a good price.

Ms. Pham Hong Thu (Lac Hoa hamlet, Ngu Lac commune) takes care of her herd of cattle after performing the "Buffalo Festival" ritual at the beginning of the year.

Having been involved in livestock farming for the past 10 years, Ms. Pham Hong Thu (Lac Hoa hamlet, Ngu Lac commune) currently raises 6 cows. Every year, her family prepares dry straw, some bran, and clean water for the herd on the morning of the 3rd day of the lunar month. According to Ms. Thu, this is an occasion to remind livestock farmers to pay more attention to their animals and to pray for smooth farming.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of spring, the image of farmers tenderly stroking and caring for their herds of cattle becomes a simple yet beautiful aspect of the countryside. "Buffalo Festival" is not just a custom, but also embodies the belief in a prosperous and successful new year, where people live in harmony with their animals.

Text and photos: QUAN NGOC

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/tin-moi/202602/giu-tuc-tet-ngay-xuan-95f255e/