Thailand Akha is a tribal community living in the northern province of Chiang Rai. The Swing celebration of the Akha tribal community is held from mid-August to September. This ritual is only ready to harvest corn and rice two months ago. Celebrating the Swing Festival means thanking and respecting food. The festival celebrates four days and nights of dance, singing, celebration and enjoyment.
The Akha people believe in the worship of their ancestors because they believe after an old death, they become carers and take care of their well-being. They also think that abundant plants are the blessings of their ancestors.
This annual Swing ceremony is also a transition from adolescence to adulthood. During the ceremony, Akha girls dress up as a full adult adult with a decorative headpiece designed to reflect the different stages of women's life.
On the first day of the festival, all family members gather at 11 am to prepare for their ritual offer. A red and a black chicken, wine, ginger, tealeaves and other items are offered to their ancestors at noon. Then they dance and sing through the night.
The second day is the most important day. This includes the whole community and the village priest, and the tribal elders lead the celebration. They crush the old swing they achieved in the previous year and gave a new boost to this place.
On the third day, the victims are made at dawn and on the last day; the village commander declares the end of the ceremony, which will be held again next year.
Source by Pauline Go