In pictures: “Mud spirits” in the “bo ma” ceremony of the Gia Rai people

March is the most beautiful time of the year in the Central Highlands and when the Gia Rai people’s “bo ma” ceremony takes place. During the ceremony, one sacred ritual most eagerly anticipated by the villagers is the art of dressing up as “mud spirits”.
"Mud spirits" represent the deceased.
"Mud spirits" represent the deceased.

The “bo ma” ceremony is considered the most significant festival, with profound cultural value and high community significance for the Gia Rai people.

They believe that death is a transition to living in another world - the world of ancestors. Therefore, the living people continue to visit the graves of their loved ones daily, cleaning them meticulously and bringing food and drink for the deceased.

This practice only concludes after completing the “bo ma” ceremony, typically 5 to 10 years, depending on the family’s economic circumstances.

At that point, the family will bid farewell to the deceased, ending the practice of bringing food or maintaining the grave.

The “bo ma” ceremony incorporates multiple art forms, including gong performances, traditional dances, culinary traditions and sculptural elements.

However, the most unique and impressive aspect is the presence of “mud spirits” - representations of the deceased returning to celebrate with the villagers around the burial site.

This can be viewed as a grand performance, the pinnacle of a community cultural activity, synthesising traditional folk arts.

“Mud spirits” typically appear only during the “bo ma” ceremony. The Gia Rai believe these “mud spirits” are embodiments of the deceased returning to the mortal realm, joining in the communal celebration around the burial area.

“Mud spirits” typically appear only during the “bo ma” ceremony. The Gia Rai believe these “mud spirits” are embodiments of the deceased returning to the mortal realm, joining in the communal celebration around the burial area.
Young boys are covered entirely in mud, to appear as mysterious and spine-chilling as possible to captivate participants.

Young boys are covered entirely in mud, to appear as mysterious and spine-chilling as possible to captivate participants.
Only males perform the role of “mud spirits”, with no female participation.

Only males perform the role of “mud spirits”, with no female participation.
Disguising oneself as a “mud spirit” requires great skill, ensuring one cannot be recognised by others.

Disguising oneself as a “mud spirit” requires great skill, ensuring one cannot be recognised by others.
These “mud spirits” can move around the burial site, interacting with relatives and family members one last time, so the deceased’s soul can transition to the other world.

These “mud spirits” can move around the burial site, interacting with relatives and family members one last time, so the deceased’s soul can transition to the other world.
Dressing as a mud spirit during the “bo ma” ceremony expresses the living’s remembrance and respect for the departed. People hope that the spirits of the deceased will protect and bless the living, bringing health, peace, prosperity, and happiness to the village.

Dressing as a mud spirit during the “bo ma” ceremony expresses the living’s remembrance and respect for the departed. People hope that the spirits of the deceased will protect and bless the living, bringing health, peace, prosperity, and happiness to the village.
NDO

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