The inherent strength of the Lồng Tồng Festival in Lang Son.

(CLO) Every spring, when young shoots sprout amidst the misty mountain air, the Tay and Nung people of Lang Son joyfully celebrate the Long Tong (going down to the fields) festival.

Beyond being merely a purely agricultural ritual, the "going down to the fields" festival is also a spiritual thread that strengthens community solidarity, preserving the "essence" of rice-farming civilization amidst modern life.

In January, when the sounds of the zither and the folk songs still echo throughout the villages, the Lồng Tồng festival officially opens. This is the largest and most influential traditional festival in the spiritual life of the ethnic minorities in Lang Son province.

In large rice paddies or ancient communal houses, the ceremony takes place solemnly under the guidance of elders or respected Pú mo shamans. The offerings are simple yet encapsulate the essence of heaven and earth: vibrant five-colored sticky rice representing the five elements, a golden-brown boiled chicken, a cup of fragrant rice wine... All are expressions of reverence offered to the Earth God, the City God, and the God of Agriculture, reporting on the success of the past harvest and conveying hopes for a new year of "favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and prosperity for all."

The Lồng Tồng Festival is a distinctive cultural feature of the Tay people. Photo: LS

Ms. Hoang Thi Ngan, Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Binh Gia Commune, proudly shared: “The festival is not only an opportunity to preserve cultural identity, but also a lever to strengthen the spirit of labor. Currently, we integrate the introduction of OCOP products into the festival, creating a harmonious connection between heritage values ​​and the development of the new rural economy .”

If the ceremonial part is a prayer to heaven and earth, then the ritual of plowing the first furrow is the "soul" of the festival. On the pre-selected fertile field, the soil is turned over evenly by the hands of the village representative, marking the beginning of a new growth cycle.

For farmers like Mr. Hoang Van Tran (Ngoc Quyen village, Binh Gia commune), that furrow carries a powerful sense of belief: "Looking at the first furrow, I feel at ease, I feel motivated to immediately start the new season. After the festival, I have to take care of the fields and gardens right away, I can't be negligent."

The movement of the plows is not just a ritual; it is a "command" from tradition, reminding everyone that Tet (Lunar New Year) has passed and the season of labor has begun. It creates a persistent rhythm of life, a gentle yet determined transformation in the mountainous rural areas.

Amidst urbanization and the trend of young workers leaving their hometowns, the Lồng Tồng festival plays the role of a cultural "anchor." Young people return to attend the festival not only to play games like throwing the ball, tug-of-war, or listen to Sli and Lượn folk songs, but also to better understand their roots and the philosophy of their ancestors: To achieve prosperity, one must love the land, protect the forest, and be united.

The Tịch Điền ritual at the Lồng Tồng festival in Lạng Sơn . Photo: BLS

Modern agriculture is transforming with digital technology and adapting to climate change, but the spiritual foundation still needs to be nurtured. Lồng Tồng is a silent reminder: Land must be cherished, water resources must be preserved, and headwater forests must be protected so that the underground stream of life continues to flow.

Mr. Hoang Van Pao, Chairman of the Lang Son Provincial Cultural Heritage Association, made a profound observation: "The value of Long Tong lies in the depth of agricultural civilization, where people live in harmony with nature. Preserving this ritual means preserving the 'soul' of the village, creating internal strength for people to be attached to the land and develop a sustainable economy."

Leaving the Lồng Tồng festival, the strong aroma of rice wine and the resounding laughter still linger. The furrows not only till the fertile land but also "toil" on faith and aspirations for a prosperous life. This festival is a continuous stream of culture, keeping the souls of the people of Lang Son fresh and vibrant like the fields after the spring rain.

Source: https://congluan.vn/suc-manh-noi-sinh-tu-le-hoi-long-tong-o-lang-son-10330932.html