Unique ritual of smearing blood on the pole of the Bahnar people

For the Bahnar people in the Eastern Truong Son region, the ritual of smearing the blood of a sacrificial animal on the pole is not only a symbol of belief, but also a way for them to send their wishes for good crops, health and peace of the village to the gods.

Preparing the pole in the Somă Kơcham ceremony in Hrách village, Sró commune

Meritorious artisan Dinh Keo (Pyang village, Kong Chro commune) said that in any festival, the Bahnar people always set up a pole, decorated with elaborate and colorful patterns and motifs.

But unlike the large pole in the festival that can be decorated with red paint or wild fruits, the pole in the worship ceremony must have the ritual of smearing the blood of a sacrificial animal to show absolute respect to Yang - the village's protector.

The sacrificial blood is smeared on the tree trunk according to strict regulations of custom.

The strong, skillful young men in the village are responsible for decorating and smearing blood on the pole.

The Bahnar people entrust all their wishes and aspirations to the pole - the bridge between earth and sky.
people with gods

According to artisan Dinh Keo, smearing the blood of the sacrificial animal is considered to “transmit spiritual energy” to the pole, helping to convey the wishes and aspirations of the villagers to the gods. In particular, the Somă Kơcham ceremony - the New Year celebration of the Bahnar people - usually has two poles, one placed in the communal house to worship ancestors, one placed in the yard to worship heaven and earth.

The pole to worship heaven, earth and gods is erected in front of the communal house yard with typical motifs.

On the pole, people often carve motifs such as axes, machetes, corn, rice, tamarind trees, etc., creating a series of connected patterns like an epic poem about labor, survival and community cohesion. "The process of applying blood to create patterns is strictly regulated according to custom, no additions, no subtractions, and no improvements are allowed," artisan Keo emphasized.

In each village, the blood-smearing ritual may be different. In Hrách village (Sró commune), during the Sóc Trăng Kơcham ceremony, the task of erecting the pole and smearing blood is assigned to the strongest and most outstanding young men.

In Kgiang village (To Tung commune), in the water wharf worship ceremony, this ritual is performed by the village elders - those who understand the customary law. But everywhere, this ritual reflects the Bahnar people's philosophy of life, which is to respect nature and be grateful to the land and sky for nurturing life.

In Hrách village (Sró commune), the task of erecting the pole and smearing blood is assigned to strong, elite young men.

In Kgiang village (To Tung commune), this ritual is performed by the village elders, who are knowledgeable about customary law.

A village elder paints patterns from chicken blood on a pole during the water worship ceremony.

The village elders held a ceremony to worship the water wharf in front of a pole decorated with chicken blood.

Unlike the elaborately carved poles of the ethnic groups in Truong Son - Tay Nguyen, The pole in the Bahnar people's worship ceremony is simple and rustic, but contains a profound philosophy of life: people are not separate from the mountains and forests, but live in harmony with all things and gods.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/doc-dao-nghi-le-boi-huyet-len-cot-neu-cua-nguoi-bahnar-post569030.html