To celebrate the annual Then Kin Pang festival, the traditional Ap Ho Pang (hair washing) ritual of the white Thai ethnic people in Phong Tho district in Lai Chau was recreated on April 18.
The annual ritual is held on the 10th day of the third lunar month, which falls on April 18 this year, aiming to ward off bad luck and pray for a happy year.
A parade takes place ahead of the ritual.
The sorcerer offers incense to the earth, river, and stream gods, praying for blessings for local villagers.
Before setting foot in the stream, Thai girls are required to join in a ritual to show respect for the river and stream gods.
The ritual is said to bring good luck to a family if a young girl is selected to participate in it.
The most interesting highlight of the festival is when the girls step into the stream to wash their hair
Visitors and passers-by are curious about this traditional custom which is followed by local villagers.
At first, strands of beautiful long black hair can be seen falling down. When signaled, all of the girls will flip their hair upward at the same time.
Local people see it as washing away the hardships and bad luck, sending away calamities and diseases along the river as they pray for good luck.
For Thai ethnic people, washing hair in the stream means seeing bad luck be washed away by the water currents.
The event serves to highlight the beauty and elegance of the women in the Thai ethnic group.
By washing their hair in the local stream, the skin of these girls is said to shine brighter than usual.
The ritual has been passed down from generation to generation to preserve traditional local customs whilst promoting community engagement.
Vietnamnet.vn
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