In the spiritual life of the Muong living in Hoa Binh province, the Si tree bears the image of a god which each branch of the tree represent a village of the Muong people.
A Si tree during the spriritual life of Muong people
Accordingly, the Si tree is associated with the birth and development symbols of all species, from the symbol of a stable marriage and fertility and proliferation, to symbols of life and longevity.
The Si tree pulling ceremony is annually held on early spring days in villages of the Muong people. Depending on the number of the lunar day chosen to hold the ceremony, participating families will collect rice from the same number of families, for example, if the chosen day is on the 5th, they will aske for rice from 5 families; if is on the 7th, they will collect rice from 7 families, etc. This ritual shows thankgivings to the villager’s neighbors for their support.
The altar is usually arranged with three to five trays of offerings of sticky rice, wine, rice, Si tree branches and other ritual items such as hoes, hats, clothes, etc.
During the worshiping ceremony, the shaman performs rituals and sings the "Si tree" song to pray for the longevity of the tree, which also means to pray for the elderly in the family to have more vitality to overcome diseases, live healthy and have a long life.
Muong people prepare offerings for the ceremony
Shaman is performing rituals
Muong people drink wine together and perform traditional dance after the ceremony
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