Gia Lai: Unique ear blowing ceremony of the Jrai people

The Jrai ear-blowing ceremony in Ia Yeng commune is usually held in the spring when agricultural activities are not too busy. This ceremony is performed for children from 4 months to 1 year old with the wish that the child will be healthy, smart and talented. Depending on the conditions of each family to prepare the offerings, most will prepare a pole, 3 jars of wine, 1 pig and 3 chickens.

Family prepares offerings for their child's ear blowing ceremony

After praying to the gods, the celebrant will begin to perform the ritual of blowing on the child's ears. Accordingly, the celebrant will use a spool of thread that has been removed and dipped into a copper bowl of water, then place it on the child's ear, praying to the gods and ancestors to bless and protect the child to always be healthy and have intelligence.

First, the celebrant will use a roll of thread dipped in water to place on the child's ear to pray for the child's health and success.

Next, the celebrant continuously carries the child back over his right shoulder 7 times for the mother to receive and then continues to hand it to the celebrant; after that, the celebrant places the child between his thighs and uses his hands to turn the child's head 3, 5, 7 or 9 times. These rituals mean that when the child is young, he is familiar with the difficulties and hardships in life and when he grows up, he will always remember his family and village.

The celebrant prepares wine and offerings to thank the gods and those who helped the baby to be born safely.

At the end of the ceremony, the celebrant will perform a ceremony to thank the gods and those who contributed to the safe and healthy birth of the child; at the same time, invite the gods and ancestors to enjoy the offerings before inviting everyone present at the ceremony to drink wine. Here, those present will congratulate the child with cash or rice with the wish that the child will grow up healthy and have a full life.

At the end of the ear blowing ceremony, the celebrant invited everyone present to drink wine and congratulate the child.

The ear-blowing ceremony has a profound meaning in the cultural life of the Jrai people, marking a transitional period in life through which the gods, family and community welcome a new member. From there, they bless and protect the child to grow up healthy, talented, have a full and happy life and become a useful person for the village community.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/gia-lai-doc-dao-le-thoi-tai-cua-nguoi-jrai-post316468.html