Unique cockscomb flower festival of Cong ethnic people
Tet hoa mao ga (Cockscomb flower festival) is one of the most important celebrations of the Cong ethnic group in the northern province of Dien Bien. It has existed for generations and reflected the distinctive cultural identity of the local people.
The Cong ethnic people consider the cockscomb as a ‘sacred flower’ and a symbol of good luck and happiness (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
The Cong ethnic women put on their traditional colorful costumes during the festival (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
People go to the fields to pick up cockscomb flowers to decorate their houses (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
A shaman performs the ritual of cutting chicken blood (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien / VNA)
Tet hoa mao ga is a unique cultural and religious activity that has existed for generations (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
The priest takes chicken blood to mark the homeowner’s forehead to pray for bumper crops, good health, and peace (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
Tet Hoa mao ga is recognized as one of the eight national intangible cultural heritage elements of Dien Bien province (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
The priest takes chicken blood to mark a child’s forehead (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
Sacrifices must meet requirements of appearance, color, weight, and health (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
Sacrifices must meet requirements of appearance, color, weight, and health (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
The Central Highlands is not only known for the rich folk culture but is also home to a thousand-year-old treasure of wooden statues. The art of sculpting with wood has interested folklorists because it vividly shows this region’s culture of gongs and epics and the rich spiritual life of ethnic groups living there.
Gender biases and stereotypes often challenge ethnic minority women in remote areas. Many of them, however, have proved that women can do anything when they are empowered.
The second national congress of Vietnamese ethnic minority groups is scheduled to take place from December 2-4 in Hanoi with the participation of 1,600 official delegates and 300 guests.
The northern mountainous province of Dien Bien still lacks traditional craft villages that are recognised under the provisions of Decree No 52 from the Government on the development of rural sectors and traditional craft villages. Villages short of capital and with disorganised production and outdated technologies are failing to meet market demand.
Artists and craftspeople from the Co Tu group in Da Nang on November 23 showed off ancient trade and arts as well as cuisine at the city’s museum to mark the Da Nang Culture Heritage Day.