The Si La people's New Rice Festival has been added to the list of National Cultural Heritage.

The Si La ethnic group.

The New Rice Festival plays a special role in the material and spiritual life of the Si La people in Muong Nha commune, Dien Bien province – one of the smallest ethnic groups in Vietnam (under 10,000 people). This is a traditional ritual with profound humanistic values, preserved through many generations.

In Dien Bien, the Si La people mainly live in Nam Sin village, Muong Nha commune. Despite their small population, the Si La ethnic group still preserves many traditional customs, among which the New Rice Festival is an indispensable annual ritual, taking place at the end of the year, when the rice in the fields begins to be harvested.

The festival is an occasion to express gratitude to ancestors for blessing the family with peace, prosperity, and to pray for good fortune in the coming harvest, favorable weather, abundant crops, and a comfortable and fulfilling life.

On June 3rd, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 1660/QD-BVHTTDL, adding the social custom and belief of the "New Rice Celebration of the Si La people" in Chung Chai commune, former Muong Nha district (now Muong Nha commune, Dien Bien province) to the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is expected that on December 12th, Muong Nha commune, Dien Bien province will hold a ceremony to announce and award the certificate of National Intangible Cultural Heritage to the "New Rice Celebration of the Si La people," as per the decision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

According to custom, the New Rice Festival is held at the head of the clan's family home, usually in the late afternoon – a time when the Si La people believe their ancestors may return to be with their descendants. The offerings used in the New Rice Festival are usually quite simple: rice cooked from newly harvested grains, a handful of rice and millet stalks symbolizing abundance and the fruits of hard labor; along with cooked crabs, fish, and squirrels wrapped in banana leaves. Each offering carries its own meaning, expressing gratitude to ancestors and a wish for a prosperous life.

Within the clan, members are assigned to prepare the ceremony according to their roles, with everyone working together to ensure the ceremony is conducted solemnly. When the sun sets, the person presiding over the offering begins the ceremony, inviting ancestors and deceased relatives to attend, praying for a year of favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and good health and fortune for the family and relatives.

Today, the New Rice Festival is still maintained annually by the Si La people in Muong Nha, becoming an opportunity for artisans to pass on customs, thereby fostering creativity, national pride, and educating about morality, history, and the unique culture of the village and homeland.

Source: https://chinhsachcuocsong.vnanet.vn/le-mung-com-moi-cua-nguoi-si-la-vao-danh-muc-di-san-van-hoa-quoc-gia/74394.html