The Cong ethnic people consider the cockscomb as a ‘sacred flower’ and a symbol of good luck and happiness (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
The Cong ethnic women put on their traditional colorful costumes during the festival (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
People go to the fields to pick up cockscomb flowers to decorate their houses (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
A shaman performs the ritual of cutting chicken blood (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien / VNA)
Tet hoa mao ga is a unique cultural and religious activity that has existed for generations (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
The priest takes chicken blood to mark the homeowner’s forehead to pray for bumper crops, good health, and peace (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
Tet Hoa mao ga is recognized as one of the eight national intangible cultural heritage elements of Dien Bien province (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
The priest takes chicken blood to mark a child’s forehead (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
Sacrifices must meet requirements of appearance, color, weight, and health (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
Sacrifices must meet requirements of appearance, color, weight, and health (Photo: Nguyen Xuan Tien/ VNA)
Unique cockscomb flower festival of Cong ethnic people
Tet hoa mao ga (Cockscomb flower festival) is one of the most important celebrations of the Cong ethnic group in the northern province of Dien Bien. It has existed for generations and reflected the distinctive cultural identity of the local people.
