Hanoi (VNA) - The Moon Worship Festival is a significant cultural event celebrated by the Tay ethnic people in the mountainous province of Ha Giang. It takes place annually on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month and is dedicated to praying for a bountiful harvest, favorable weather, peace, and good fortune for the villagers.
The procession during the Moon Worship Festival in Ha Giang. (Source: Ha Giang Provincial Radio and Television Station) The Tay ethnic people, who constitute over 170,000 individuals and make up 25% of the population in Ha Giang province, reside in various districts and cities throughout the province. However, they are primarily concentrated in Bac Quang, Quang Binh, Vi Xuyen, and Bac Me districts.
Apart from their rich oral folk tales, melodies, and love exchanges, the Tay ethnic people have several unique festivals, among which the Moon Worship Festival holds a special place.
Visitors who arrive in Ha Giang during the full moon days of the eighth lunar month have the opportunity to witness the exceptional Moon Worship Festival in Ban Loan village, Yen Dinh commune (Bac Me district).
According to the beliefs of the Tay ethnic people, Mother Moon and her 12 fairy-daughters are responsible for nurturing life and crops on Earth. Thus, during the eighth lunar month, they organize the festival to invite Mother Moon and her daughters to descend to Earth and seek blessings for happiness, favorable weather, and abundant harvests.
For generations, the Tay ethnic people have faithfully observed this festival in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival, with the hope that Mother Moon will bestow blessings, bumper crops, favorable weather, peace, and luck.
The Moon Worship Festival is a joyous occasion for the Tay ethnic people. Villagers of all ages and genders come together to partake in the festivities. Offerings such as meat, wine, cakes, and five-color sticky rice are presented.
Offerings such as meat, wine, cakes, and five-color sticky rice are presented. (Source: Ha Giang Provincical E-Portal) A notable aspect of the festival rituals is the performance of songs inviting Mother Moon and her 12 fairy-daughters to Earth. Through these songs, people express their hope for bumper crops, favaroble weather conditions, and best luck.
Following the rituals, the villagers gather to drink wine, dance, and sing. Wearing their most beautiful traditional outfits, the participants passionately sing folk songs that express their love for their homeland and country.
Besides partaking in traditional games, visitors have an opportunity to enjoy the best cuisine of the Tay ethnic people, including bamboo-tube rice, vegetable dishes, and five-color sticky rice.
Performing folk songs of the Tay ethnic people at the festival (Source: Ha Giang Provincial Radio and Television Station) The Moon Worship Festival is a significant cultural and spiritual event of the Tay ethnic people.
By organizing the festival, the Tay ethnic people hope to pass down their proud heritage to younger generations and strive to preserve the rich cultural values that form an integral part of their national identity./.
