Traditional forest ritual protects Mother Nature

Under shaggy vines, Sui Doih (centre) – the celebrant – prepares offerings including a roasted pig, grilled meat, wine, chicken liver and a piece of raw pork. - VNA/VNS

HANOI (Vietnam News/Asia News Network): For ethnic minorities in the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) and mountainous regions across the country, the forest does not simply refer to materials and resources, but also a broad spiritual culture.

Forest worship practices have existed in the consciousness and life of ethnic minorities for a long time, featured in local ceremonies and festivals based on concepts of the universe and animism and represented by sacred forest gods.