Mountain deity worship ceremony of the Xo Dang people on Ngoc Linh peak
(QNO) - To show their appreciation to the deities who have given the villagers a year of bountiful crops and a decrease in disease and adversity, the Xo Dang people in Nam Tra My district (Quang Nam province) happily plan festivities in the last days of the year.
The Xo Dang people of Nam Tra My have long preserved rich cultural traditions, among which the mountain deity worship ceremony is considered a standout festival.
The Xo Dang people honour nature's deities through an annual mountain worship ceremony. Led by elders, it features traditional attire and year-end offerings to seek blessings for a prosperous new year as the mountain deity passes guardianship to others.
Before the mountain deity worship ceremony, villagers prepare offerings like a communal house (nhà gươl), ritual poles (cây nêu), chickens, rice wine, pigs, and eggs while tidying their homes. Held on the village's highest hill, the ceremony centres on the nhà gươl, where deities are honoured.
The mountain deity worship ceremony of the Xo Dang features continuous gong performances as a sign of reverence. After the rituals in the communal house, villagers sprinkle dew water at each home, symbolising community participation.
The festival ends with shared meals, rice wine, and gongs, as elders remind all to value education, harmony, and prosperity. It reflects the Xo Dang's gratitude to the deities for health, abundance, and their deep bond with nature.