Long Tong Festival: The Field-Going Festival of the Tay and Nung People
For the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in the northern midlands and mountainous regions of Vietnam, as well as for communities who migrated to the Central Highlands, the Long Tong Festival (also called the Going to the Fields Festival) is one of the most significant annual events. It is not just a spring celebration; it is an ancient agricultural ritual imbued with fertility beliefs, expressing hopes for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and a prosperous life.
Origin and Meaning
"Long Tong" in the Tay language means "going down to the fields" (Long: down, Tong: field). The festival originated from the agricultural needs of the Tay people living in village communities. Before starting a new crop season, they hold rituals to thank the gods, especially the God of Agriculture (Than Nong), praying for fertile land and healthy crops.
The Ritual Part: Solemn Ceremonies and the First Plough
The festival is usually held on the first days of the lunar new year (often the 4th, 5th, or 6th day) in a beautiful, spacious field chosen by the community. The ritual begins with offerings including pork head, boiled chicken, five-color sticky rice, banh day (square sticky rice cake), che lam (sticky rice with malt), and fruits.
The shaman (thay mo) leads the ceremony, reciting prayers for national peace, good harvests, and prosperity. During the prayer, he sprinkles "holy water" brought from the water source by the most beautiful village girls. Catching this water is believed to bring luck for the whole year.
The highlight is the first-plough ceremony (tich dien). A local leader or village elder makes the first furrows on the chosen field to the sound of festive drums, officially opening the new farming season. Villagers then follow by sowing seeds, full of hope for an abundant year.
The Festive Part: Vibrant Community Activities
The festival part is lively and attracts both locals and tourists. Traditional games such as nem con (throwing a fabric ball), tug-of-war, pole pushing, blindfolded duck catching, and plowing contests are held. These games symbolize unity, strength, and skill. The event also features cultural performances with the distinctive sound of the dan tinh (gourd lute) and hat then (then singing), reflecting the soul of the Tay and Nung people.
Visitors can enjoy local specialties like five-color sticky rice, banh khao (sesame cake), banh day, khau nhuc (braised pork belly), and other regional products. The festival provides a chance to promote local agriculture and community-based tourism.
Community Values and Reach
The Long Tong Festival has spread beyond a single ethnic group, attracting participation from the Dao, H'Mong, and Thai peoples. It strengthens solidarity among communities. For Tay and Nung people living far from their homeland, the festival is a way to preserve their identity and teach younger generations about their traditions. Maintaining this annual festival helps protect intangible cultural heritage and boosts local tourism, making it a precious cultural asset symbolizing community bonds and the human desire for growth in harmony with nature.
