The house-cooling ceremony of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh recreated and performed at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism (Dong Mo, Son Tay, Hanoi).
Having spent time researching and reacting the ceremony at the Cultural Village, Meritorious Artisan Bui Thanh Binh, Director of the Muong Cultural Heritage Museum in Hoa Binh city, shared that the original meaning of the word "mat nha" in the Muong language is to cool the family down, make family members healthy and peaceful, and drive back bad things and bad luck. Therefore, Muong people often hold the ritual on the first days of the year or when someone in their home is sick or experiences bad luck.
In the past, the ceremony was arranged quite expensively, as shamans requested house owners to prepare up to 11 trays, including nine big and two small trays. The big trays were offered to the local tutelary, and god of the soil.
In addition, homeowners had to prepare a "community" tray with all kinds of dishes placed near the main door. The Muong people believe that bad things happen because of ghosts. Therefore, when the house held a feast to offer to the gods, they did not forget to offer sacrifices to sentient beings. As the tray was placed at the main door, the hungry ghosts were invited by the shaman to eat the dishes. After that, the shaman made spells so that evil spirits did not return to disturb the householder.
At present, implementing a civilised lifestyle during festivals under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and in order to preserve and promote the typical culture of the Muong ethnic group, the house-cooling ceremony has been simplified. There need three-five trays of offerings for gods and ancestors, and one for sentient beings./.
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