Forest god worship of Jrai ethnic people in Gia Lai
Each year in late March the Jrai ethnic people who reside in the Central Highland province of Gia Lai hold a ceremony in order to worship the forest god, whilst also praying for villagers’ good health and bumper crops.
Ethnic people believe that each forest is ruled by a god. To worship the god of the forest is to pray for his support for the good health of villagers and bumper crops.
On the day of the ceremony, people bring offerings to the place of worship.
This place is chosen by a reputable shaman who is knowledgeable about the rituals which must take place.
A shaman performs the forest worship ceremony.
Following this, he will invite the forest god to receive sacrificial souls.
After the rituals are performed, people often listen to the shaman who tells ancient and mysterious stories about the sacredness of the forest. Everyone believes that the forest god will protect them.
People believe that there is a forest god who protects locals and gifts them good health, peace, wealth, and happiness.
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