Thanksgiving ceremony to the ‘god of the forest’ of the Jarai people

On April 11, people of O Grang and De Chi villages (Gao commune) carried meat, rice, pork, chicken and lam rice to Ia Cor mountain, about 3 km from the center to prepare for the worshiping ceremony. This year’s forest worshiping ceremony was performed by village elders Puih Long and Siu Toi.

The ritual lasts about 20 minutes, conveying wishes for a year of good luck, peace, and no illness. After that, they ate grilled meat, bamboo-tube rice – a typical dish of the Jarai people, and danced the sinus dance under the canopy of the jungle.

Village elder Puih Long said this tradition helps people be conscious of protecting the forest and not illegally cutting down the forest; actively plant trees; Educate future generations to be grateful and protect the forest as if protecting your own life.

The forest worshiping ceremony of the Jrai people in the Central Highlands is a long-standing traditional ritual, formed and passed down through many generations. associated with the belief in animism. The festival is usually held in the spring (around March-April of the solar calendar). to thank the forest god (Giang) for sheltering and protecting the villagers and praying for good weather and wind. According to the beliefs of ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands, the forest is the “home” of the gods, protecting villagers from natural disasters.

Mr. Siu Thunh, Vice Chairman of Gao Commune People’s Committee, said that the forest worship ceremony not only contributes to preserving and promoting the good traditional cultural values ​​of the nation but also raises community awareness in protecting forest resources and preserving a sustainable ecological environment. The activity is also an opportunity to promote the image, people and unique cultural identity of the locality, in the first year Gia Lai was chosen to host the National Tourism Year.