The “Tet Xip Xi” ceremony takes place annually on the 14th day of the 7th lunar month, and is an important occasion for the descendants of the White Thai people to express their gratitude and remember their ancestors.

Tet Xip Xi is not only a big holiday, but also a day for adults to take special care and attention to the younger generation. On this day, children will be dressed in colorful clothes, given by grandparents and parents.

During the festival, the offering tray is carefully prepared with many traditional dishes such as duck, chicken, smoked pork, grilled fish (Pa pỉnh tộp), vegetable salad, canh bon, canh chua, khau cam (5-color or 7-color dyed sticky rice), banh it uới, banh chung gu. In particular, “nhựa tô pết” (duck meat) is indispensable, symbolizing the desire to eliminate pests that harm rice and bad luck.

After the worshiping ceremony, family members gather around the table and wish each other well. This is also an opportunity for the White Thai community to show their hospitality.

Guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy special dishes only available on Xip Xi Tet such as grilled fish, fish salad, bon soup, sour soup, moss, five-color sticky rice, smoked meat, and buffalo skin salad.

“Tet Xip Xi” is not only an occasion to strengthen the bond between family members and the community, but also an opportunity to preserve and promote national cultural identity. Cultural activities, sports, dancing, singing, and culinary competitions take place enthusiastically, creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere.

The recognition of the “Xip Xi Tet Ritual” as a national intangible cultural heritage not only affirms the unique cultural value of the White Thai people, but also motivates the ethnic groups in Son La to love and be proud of their traditional culture, contributing to strengthening national solidarity.

Nguyen Hoang