Discover Gác Măng Rê Cafe, Coffee Shop Near Kon Tum Wooden Church

Popular Among Foreigners for Good Food and Reasonable Prices: Gac Mang Cafe in Kon Tum
Travelers to the Central Highlands are often intrigued by the unique rituals and customs of the ethnic minority groups. One must-visit destination in Kon Tum Province is the Tay Nguyen Grave House, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional burial practices of the region.

Located in the Central Highlands' Kon Tum Province, the Tay Nguyen Grave House reflects the age-old customs of the local ethnic minorities. Following a burial, it is customary to build a small hut over the grave to protect it from the elements. This hut is typically filled with the personal belongings of the deceased, symbolizing their presence and memory.

Two or three years after the initial burial, the family of the deceased removes the original hut and constructs a larger, more elaborate wooden house in its place. This new grave house is meticulously decorated and surrounded by a wooden fence, within which wooden statues resembling humans, birds, or animals are placed. This significant ritual, known as Le Bo Ma (Leaving-the-Grave), is usually performed in the spring and is considered a festive occasion.

During Le Bo Ma, villagers gather at the cemetery, and the family members of the deceased bring offerings of food, including distilled rice, cooked pork, and other meats. These offerings are presented to the deceased, symbolizing their continued presence among the living. The ceremony is marked by singing, dancing, and communal feasting, reflecting the belief that the deceased has returned to join the celebration with the living.

Visiting Kon Tum Province provides tourists with a unique opportunity to witness and learn about the distinctive rituals and customs of the local ethnic people. The Tay Nguyen Grave House stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and the deep-rooted traditions of the Central Highlands' communities.