Locals playing games.

While the King people are celebrating the Lunar New Year, the ethnic Black H’mong group in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien greeted Tet several weeks ago.

The Black H’mong group in Nam Pong began preparing for their traditional New Year on the last day of the 11th month of the lunar year. This may seem early, but in fact the H’Mong celebrate the New Year on the first day of the lunar 12th, one month earlier than the rest of the country. They temporarily down their agricultural tools, gather together and enjoy the holiday.

This year, locals old and young alike were excited to play spinning tops, one of their folk games. They also flocked to winding mountain roads to visit their relatives and extend the best New Year wishes to them.

The altar is also a unique feature of their New Year celebration rituals. Facing the main gate, it has a blank paper hung above by three threads of cockerel feather, glued by chicken blood in the middle.

According to their beliefs, handy tools like knives, hoes and shovels also need respite during this occasion. That’s why they are placed beside the altar.

Gathering at the New Year’s Eve party is considered the cosiest moment, during which they offer drinks and best wishes to each other.

The celebration often lasts for nearly one month, but last year the holiday was shortened.

Source: VNA