Chut ethnic people celebrate “Filling the Holes” ritual

The Chut (Ma Lieng) ethnic group in Ha Tinh Province organised the “Filling the Holes” ritual at the Community Cultural House of Rao Tre Village, Huong Lien Commune, Huong Khe District, on August 4 (the 7th day of the 7th lunar month).

This year's ritual was bustling with folk songs, dances and sports activities, attracting the participation of people from both inside and outside Rao Tre Village.
This year's ritual was bustling with folk songs, dances and sports activities, attracting the participation of people from both inside and outside Rao Tre Village.

The “Filling the Holes” ritual of the Chut ethnic group is held every year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, when the Chut ethnic group finish sowing seeds into the holes. They perform a ritual to inform genies and the deceased of their work. They pray for lush fields, fruitful orchards, good health, good luck, and sufficiency.

At the ritual, the Chut ethnic group reviewed the tradition of the ritual, shared their joy, and gained experiences in production.

On the occasion, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Provincial Border Guard Command, Provincial Youth Union, People's Committee of Huong Khe District and sponsors presented 46 gifts (including both gifts and cash) to Chut ethnic households.

The organising of the “Filling the Holes” ritual aims to preserve, promote, pass on and popularize the fine customs and habits of folklore and traditional rituals. At the same time, it also contributes to step by step preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the Chut ethnic group towards becoming a typical cultural tourism product.