Hand Fastening festival of Kayin Nationals

National races residing in Myanmar have their tradition and customs based on the geographical condition and their belief. We can say that these customs and traditions are unique characteristics of respective national races.

Today, I would like to present you a tradition of Kayin people held according to their belief. The festival is known as “Hand Fastening festival” or “Spirit calling festival”.

The aim of holding this tradition is to have their soul (or) spirit together with them not to be left behind in their farm. On the other hand, it can be said that recollecting their conscious.

Some necessary materials and the food are put on a tray and kept ready for the “spirit calling festival”. First, the spirit calling is made. They knock the bottom of the ladder with a ladle to recall the spirit.

And then, they knock again the tray prepared to call the spirit. This means calling the spirit to get to the place (where) the spirit is to be fastened. While calling the spirit, all of the family members must be there. Spirit calling festival is celebrated annually to meet all of the family members once a year, to bind themselves with love, and to solve unitedly if any problem arises.

The old ancestors make the young family members tied their hand with spirit string. The one who is to be tied with spirit string must hold some food from the tray. The former prays for well-being of the latter and to be free from any disease while rubbing her (or) his hand with the threads. He prays for the wearer to be able to live together, with the family to his ripe old age and his physical and mental well-being.

After praying, the elders fastened spirit-string to young in both hands.Then, the elder adorn the young with the flower traditionally used on the occasion, and then they also drink some water.

And then, they knock again the tray prepared to call the spirit. This means calling the spirit to get to the place (where) the spirit is to be fastened. While calling the spirit, all of the family members must be there. Spirit calling festival is celebrated annually to meet all of the family members once a year, to bind themselves with love, and to solve unitedly if any problem arises.

The old ancestors make the young family members tied their hand with spirit string. The one who is to be tied with spirit string must hold some food from the tray. The former prays for well-being of the latter and to be free from any disease while rubbing her (or) his hand with the threads. He prays for the wearer to be able to live together, with the family to his ripe old age and his physical and mental well-being.

After praying, the elders fastened spirit-string to young in both hands.Then, the elder adorn the young with the flower traditionally used on the occasion, and then they also drink some water.

After fastening spirit-string, they believe that their conscious (or) spirit returned and brings them good luck, good health and wealth.

Hand fastening festival of Kayin nationals is held without music and songs. They hold it simply.

Therefore, the traditional hand fastening festival of Kayin nationals is, held with the noble aims of family reunion. We take pride in presenting this programme as we convey the message of holding such festival means conserving tradition and custom of national races residing in Myanmar.