An extended-standing and distinctive custom among the many M’Nong individuals of the Central Highlands, the water supply providing ritual holds deep non secular significance.
Greater than only a spiritual apply, it serves to coach youthful generations on the significance of defending water sources, forests, and the encompassing ecological atmosphere.
As a result of their conventional apply of shifting cultivation and migration, the M’Nong individuals traditionally sought new lands to settle.
A key requirement for selecting a brand new location was the supply of unpolluted water. As soon as an acceptable supply was discovered, they’d set up a water consumption space and manage a sacred ritual.
Annually, usually after the harvest season, the village elder, the water supply guardian, and group members invite a shaman to conduct the ceremony.
Its objective is to thank the deities (Yang) for blessing them with clear water, favorable climate, good well being, and prosperity for the households and the village.
Following custom, on the day of the ritual, the M’Nong individuals residing by Lak Lake (Lak District, Dak Lak Province) rise at daybreak and collect on the shaman’s home (Drah) to arrange choices.
The shaman, along with villagers, carries the choices and invitations the ceremonial grasp to Dak Hoa spring in Pai Ar hamlet, Dak Phoi commune, Lak District, to start the ritual.
The choices are solemnly organized reverse the stream, the place water flows from the mountain: a pig’s head, a big bowl of pig blood combined with wine, a bowl of pork and liver, a big serving bowl, three jars of rice wine, fruits, and different objects.
Ceremonial grasp Y Bal Ong, a extremely revered determine within the village, recites prayers, flanked by an assistant and the village elder. Because the prayers finish, a gong ensemble performs the “Ngan” tune to ask the deities to the ceremony.
After the mantra and gong efficiency, the shaman pours a part of the pig blood combined with wine into the spring whereas praying for divine safety, good well being, and a gradual provide of unpolluted water for every day life and farming.
Then, the shaman, his assistant, and the elder carry the remaining blood-wine combination again towards the village. On the first crossroad, they pour out one other portion and recite the household lineages residing within the village, informing the deities that these households have made choices, expressed gratitude for blessings of well being and prosperity, and requested for continued safety. Lastly, on the village’s welcome gate, they pour the remainder of the combination and supply a closing prayer to expel evil spirits and misfortune from the group.
Upon finishing the ritual, the shaman is forbidden to return to the water supply and should head straight again to the village.
There, the gong staff performs celebratory tunes as younger women and men dance to the rhythm within the joyful “Xoang” dance. Mats are laid out, and ritual choices are served to all villagers and visitors in a festive ambiance.
The event turns into a significant group gathering, bringing individuals collectively to mirror on the previous yr and share about life and agricultural work.
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