On early spring nights, when the sun has yet to rise, the Tay people in Thai Hai village (Thai Nguyen city) have prepared for the sacred water procession ceremony, a long-standing custom.
This custom is not simply about getting water for use, but has deep spiritual value, expressing belief in the protection and shelter of nature throughout the year.
Thai Hai village well, the source of the sacred water, is located at the beginning of the village. It is always clear all year round, surrounded by moss-covered pebbles, with a beauty that is both wild and mysterious.
According to the Tay people, water is not only a source of life but also a symbol of prosperity and luck.
Early in the morning of the first days of spring, each family in the village will send a member to bring a bamboo tube or wooden ladle to the well to get water.
Before leaving, the homeowner burns incense to ask for permission from the ancestors and the well god, praying for a peaceful and prosperous new year. This is the time when the atmosphere in the village becomes solemn, filled with a sense of sacredness, when everyone is aware of the deep connection between humans and the earth.
Upon arrival, each ladle of water is carefully scooped up and gently poured into the bamboo tube, so as not to disturb the water surface too much. They believe that the calmer the water, the more peaceful the new year will be.
For the Tay people, water from village wells or upstream streams is considered a place where the vitality of heaven and earth converges, not only serving daily life but also used to pray for wealth and fortune.
The water is then brought home and offered to the family altar, then divided into two parts: one part is used to boil tea to serve guests, the other part is used to wash the face and hands as a purification ritual, to dispel the bad luck of the old year.
The custom of carrying water at the beginning of the year is also maintained in the Tay ethnic minority villages in Ha Giang. The “Nam Bo Ban Tha” well has existed for many generations, and is a place where people come to send their wishes for the new year.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nguyen (Tha village, Ha Giang) shared: "Washing your face with well water at the beginning of the year helps relax the soul, cool the skin, and is also a way to wish for a peaceful and healthy year."
In the context of many customs gradually fading away, the custom of carrying water at the beginning of the year is still preserved and promoted by the Tay people as a cultural value.
This is not only a ritual but also a connection between people and nature and their ancestors. Through it, they express their wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
