At a“Bo ma” (farewell to the dead) ceremony of the Raglai ethnic minority people (Source:ninhthuan.gov.vn) Ninh Thuan (VNA) – The “Bo ma” (farewell to thedead) ceremony of the Raglai ethnic minority people in the south centralprovince of Ninh Thuan has been recognized as the national cultural intangible heritage.
The ceremony is the most important spiritual practices inthe whole life of a Raglai person, symbolizing the forever farewell between theliving and the dead so the dead can peacefully go to the eternal world.
It is often organized three or five years after a person’sdeath, or sooner depending on the conditions of each family. The ritual is shownthrough various art forms such as architecture, sculpture, painting, music,dance and performance.
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sportsand Tourism, the big ceremony is normally held in March and April within threeor five days with the participation of locals in and outside the village.
It shows the sentiments and responsibility of the livingtowards the dead. It is also considered a chance for the Raglai people to paytribute to their ancestors, while bringing villagers closer together.
On October 30, 2018 the Minister of Culture, Sports andTourism issued a decision recognizing the ceremony as one of the eight national-levelintangible heritage.
Along with creating favourable conditions for thepreservation and promotion of the heritage as well as raising public awarenessin protecting it, the certificate also helps Ninh Thuan develop spiritual tourism.-VNA
VNA
