Kin Chieng Boọc May Festival of Thai ethnic people in Xuan Phuc commune

The cotton tree procession ceremony in the Kin Chieng Boọc May Festival of the Thai ethnic group in Roc Ram village, Xuan Phuc commune.

According to legend, the festival originated from the shamans and Tay women in the Muong village who specialized in curing and saving people's health with leaves, flowers and grass in their gardens or in the forest and praying to the gods to drive away forest and mountain ghosts so they would not come to disturb the village; it was also a wish for a peaceful, healthy, prosperous, happy life and gratitude to the gods who had protected and sheltered the villagers during the year.

Kin Chieng in Thai means January festival, Boọc Mây is a cotton tree symbolizing the earth, sky, majestic nature, four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, winter, thousands of flowers, diverse, all things grow, blossom and bear fruit. The opening ceremony of Kin Chieng Boọc Mây festival takes place with the following contents: Ceremony to welcome the shaman, the cotton tree procession, the pig catching ceremony, the ceremony to worship Cam temple, the cotton tree erection ceremony and the art program of singing and dancing under the cotton tree, worshiping the gods, the sky; waking up the king of heaven; worshiping and beating the rice drum; worshiping new rice... Within the framework of the festival, there are also culinary festivals, folk games, creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere in the community.

The Kin Chieng Boọc May Festival of the Thai ethnic group in Roc Ram village, Xuan Phuc commune aims to recreate some activities in the community life of the Thai people from the time the village was founded until now through cultural and artistic performances imbued with their identity. What is more special is that the Thai ethnic group has long built, preserved and promoted good customs and practices, imbued with humanity, valuing solidarity and attachment among ethnic groups, all of which are crystallized in the Kin Chieng Boọc May Festival. Through the festival, the Thai ethnic group here wants to send their wishes for favorable weather, pray for the gods to protect and bless the people, and for everyone to be safe and healthy. At the same time, it also shows the spirit of optimism and confidence towards the future of the people.

Vice Chairman of Xuan Phuc Commune People's Committee Nhu Trong Thuong said: In 2017, the Kin Chieng Booc May Festival of the Thai ethnic group in Roc Ram village was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is an honor for the Thai ethnic group in Roc Ram village, Xuan Phuc commune in particular and Nhu Thanh district in general. The festival contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values; fostering love between people, sharing difficulties, supporting each other in life, creating solidarity, so that the Thai community in Xuan Phuc commune competes to develop the economy , culture - society, building an increasingly rich and civilized homeland.

Article and photos: Khanh Linh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/le-hoi-kin-chieng-boc-may-cua-dong-bao-dan-toc-thai-xa-xuan-phuc-243227.htm