Discovering the Unique Long Tong Festival of the Tay Ethnic Group in Tuyen Quang

The Long Tong Festival is a distinctive cultural tradition of the Tay ethnic community in particular, and contributes to the richness of Vietnamese culture as a whole. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

The Long Tong Festival is a truly special celebration of the Tay ethnic group, steeped in rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. To fully appreciate the unique cultural aspects of this festival, let's delve into its fascinating details.

Image source: Collected

The origins of the Long Tong Festival are surrounded by various stories, such as the "Legend of the Falling Rain Waterfall," recounted by the residents of Chiem Hoa District. Each region has its own version of the festival's origins, but they all share a common theme: tales of characters closely tied to the local people's lives. These characters were often protectors of the villagers or their crops. After their deaths, the locals venerated them as deities and honored them through worship.

In Tuyen Quang Province alone, the Long Tong Festival is celebrated in five main districts: Chiem Hoa, Na Hang, Lam Binh, Ham Yen, and Son Duong. Among these, the festival in Chiem Hoa District stands out as the largest, with the most extensive and elaborate organization.

The Long Tong Festival is organized in conjunction with the worship at the Bach Than Temple. This temple is a gathering place for deities from both heaven and earth, including:

Heavenly deities such as the Jade Emperor.

Earthly deities including the Spirit Gods, Earth God, Dragon King, Mountain God, and Water God.

Human deities like King Hung, Au Co, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and have been sanctified by the local people.

The Bach Than Temple also venerates the Tam Quang, which includes the Sun, Moon, and Stars, representing the three elements of the sun, moon, and stars.

How is the Long Tong Festival Celebrated?

The Con Sewing Competition Held on the Morning of the 7th Day

On the morning of the 7th day of the first lunar month, the Long Tong Festival begins with the "con sewing" competition. This competition showcases the skillfulness and grace of Tày girls.

Image source: Collected

After the competition ends, 100 con balls are selected to be offered at the Bach Than Temple. The con balls are made by Tày girls using four-colored fabric, sewn into four stitches with two faces. Inside the balls are rice, grains, and sand. The rice symbolizes the fruits of the local people's labor. The grains represent seeds, while the sand symbolizes the soil for planting.

Worship at the Bach Than Temple on the Morning of the 8th Day

Early in the morning on the 8th day of the first lunar month, people begin to offer sacrifices to the deities at the Bach Than Temple. The offerings include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.

The vegetarian offerings consist of items such as Chung cake, Day cake, Lang cake, Khau cake, fruits, betel and areca nuts, and votive money and paper.

The non-vegetarian offerings include castrated rooster, five-colored sticky rice, wine, and a meticulously arranged fruit tray featuring 100 "con" fruits selected from the "Con Sewing Competition" held on the 7th day.

When the incense finishes burning, Mr. Thai will pray to the deities, asking them to receive the offerings. After the worship ceremony, the non-vegetarian offering tray will remain on the altar. Other offering trays placed in the main hall will be taken outside to be brought to the venue where the festival activities are held. The "Tong" trays, which are offering trays, will be carried by a young Tày man and woman to the Bach Than Temple to organize this part of the festival.

Activities of the Long Tong Festival

After the worship ceremonies, people begin organizing festive activities. They engage in a "con tossing" activity, where tossing the con balls signifies heralding a prosperous new year for the Tày ethnic community.

Image source: Collected

Mr. Mo oversees the con tossing, where those who successfully hit the target with a con ball receive blessings. Additionally, local authorities or respected individuals symbolically plow the fields to mark the first furrows of the new year.

Folk games are also enjoyed during the festival, such as cockfighting, bird fighting, stilt walking, wrestling, tug-of-war, and more. These activities foster community spirit and celebration among the participants.

The Long Tong Festival is a distinctive cultural tradition of the Tay ethnic community in particular, and contributes to the richness of Vietnamese culture as a whole. Each cultural aspect enhances the beauty of our Vietnamese heritage.

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)