With the rice growing well and a promising harvest ahead, the Akha tribes in Chiang Rai put on their colourful finery and prepare to make merry in an annual ritual that celebrates life and fertility.
The vanishing yet thrilling Swing Ceremony is where visitors can break bread, and enjoy music dance and a go on the giant swing at several of the Akha villages in this northern province.
"The ceremony celebrates the goddess of fertility and marks the passage from adolescence to adulthood," says an Akha man, Termsak, who is helping to organise this year's ceremony at his village in Chiang Rai.
"We believes that the annual festival will bring us a plentiful and productive harvest as well as good lives for those who join the ceremony."
This year's festival takes from late August until early September at many of the Akha villages dotted in the high ranges of Chiang Rai.
"This year the Akha will celebrate the Swing Ceremony at their own village instead of throwing one grand festival," Termsak explains.
"It's not extravaganza as it once was, but it's worth visiting for culture buffs who want to witness the vanishing tribal culture."
On the first day, families hold private rites to honour their ancestors. On the second day, the men head to the forest to chop down the wood to make the giant swing, which is set up in the village's recreation ground.
The swing is made of four long lengths of saplings, or sometimes four bamboos, with a yoke or shaped wooden bar at the top. A long rope made of heavy woven vine and bark strips is hung down with a loop woven into it.
"The old man, usually the spiritual leader, will take the first swing," says Termsak. "Then, every girl in the village takes her turn."
After night falls, the women dress in their traditional Akha costumes and wear their silver head-dresses, on which they started work as children. The boys stay cool in their beautifully embroidered jackets.
"There is no killing of animals on the second day; everyone becomes vegetarian," says Termsak.
"Young boys and girls will gather at the recreation ground, and sing and dance until late at night."
On the third day, every household throws a party. Pork is on the menu and homemade whiskey is uncorked. The tribal music and dance continue in full swing.
The ceremony lasts until the fourth day, with many Akha girls continuing to take turns to swing as high as they can.
The Nation August 06
