On the afternoon of February 16 (ie, the 29th of Tet) in Vang Xon village, Cha To commune, Dien Bien province, hundreds of people in traditional costumes gathered by Nam Po stream to participate in the Hairwashing Festival (Ap Ho Chieng). This is a sacred ritual to wash away bad luck of the old year and welcome a peaceful new year.
According to the beliefs of the white Thai people in Cha To commune, Nam Po stream is not only associated with daily life but also has spiritual meaning.
On the last afternoon of the year, people go to the stream together to perform the "Ap ho chieng" ritual.
To prepare for the hair wash ceremony, each family must prepare a special pot of hair wash water cooked from grilled pomelo and a hair comb.
The Thai people believe that shampooing must be done in a place where water flows. The current will sweep away the illnesses, bad luck, and misfortunes of the old year.
At the same time, cool water also brings purity, welcoming good things and luck in the new year.
Mr. Leng Van Hung - Secretary of the Party Cell of Vang Xon village, Cha To commune said that the village currently has 121 households with 575 people. This is a village with a history of more than 100 years, people are always aware of preserving national identity.
To prepare for the festival, people have prepared for about a month, from facilities to cultural practice. The hairwashing ceremony is very meaningful, it must be completed before sunset. Organizing it at the stream is mandatory, because only the stream can sweep away bad luck far away" - Mr. Hung said.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Lo Van Bien - Vice Chairman of Cha To Commune People's Committee affirmed: "We determine that we must maintain the core of the ritual such as space, rituals, and prayers.
Also according to the leader of Cha To commune, the festival is not only about preserving but also a practical lesson to educate the young generation.
We hope that the younger generation understands correctly, is proud and proactively participates in preserving the ritual. When young people consider it a part of their lives, the cultural flow will be sustainably continued.
The government will play a role in orienting and supporting resources, integrating cultural preservation with socio-economic development in modern life" - Mr. Bien emphasized.
