Traditional : The Play in Ceremony

Lahu’s Play         Play is one of Lahu culture which is played when they are free from their work in the field and between religiously ceremonial period. Children and adults will assemble in the wide courtyard and play in group for fun. They like to play in group because it will bring them unity. It is local wisdom to make use of natural materials which are easy to find and use low capital to make toys. On the way to the farm, they pick up the leaf and blow a song which give them happiness. Moreover, young men flirt the womem by blowing a leaf in blue songs which are profound.

Lahu’s play are divided in to 2 group. The play in ceremony Lahu women and men wear a full set of their traditional dress and come to dance “Ja Kue” together. Ja Kue dance consists of pitch-and-toss game playing with a snuffbox bean nut (Hma Yee Sue Tor Da We) , a top ( Kor Sue Ba Da We ) and cloth throwing game ( Kae Puk Sue Lae Da We ) which is popular among the young. Ceremonial period or Kin Wor is the valuable time for Lahu teenagers.

Ja Kue Dance ( Poi Te We ) This play indicates a variety of making a living. This dance is showed in Kin Wor period to celebrate the festival and thank all guests who are from other villages. Ja Kue Dance follows the drum rhythm ( Je Kho ) , cymbals ( Zae ) , anf gong (Bo Lo Ko). This kind dance has various complete manners of Ja Kue such as Wai ( Thai greeting), thank, and welcome. In New Year period, the guests from other villages come to visit Lahu, so Lahu will dance Ja Kue to welcome their guests.

Ka Keua We Reed organ is the main equipment of this play. The expert in reed organ will blow and dance to celebrate the festival. This play informs Ngue Za god to know that it is time for celebration and also ask for blessing from god.

The Top ( Kor Zue ) This kind of play is popular in New Year. The body of the top is made from hardwood. How to play Tie the string with a top Throw the top to the goal Pull the string back and the top will spin around   We will win  if our top hit against the opponents’

Reed Organ ( Nor ) It is Lahu’s musical instrument which is popular. Lahus play reed organ in team to compete their abilities in dancing time.

Cloth Throwing Game ( Kae Puk Due Pa De We ) Lahu teenagers love to play this game in New Year or Kin wor period. Men and Women are on their sides. The rule is if men throw the cloth to women and they miss, the men have a right to hold up the losers’ posession such as neclect or watch and give back to the owner after finishing Kin Wor. Send page to your friends http://lahu.hilltribe.org