Ja Kue Dance

On 15th waning day of the moon, in the midst of glittered stars without moonlight but in Hor Yea brightened by the light of candles. The beam reflected on the face of villagers who circled around and concentrated on the show. They were listening to the sweet sound from various kinds of traditional musical instruments such as drum (Jae Ko), cymbal (Zae Yea), gong (Bo Lo Koh), or reed organ (Nor). They appreciate the charm of their customary dance called “Ja Kue” or “Poi Te We” together.      This evening was the holy day of Lahus. They stopped their work to perform the sacred ceremony. There were two holy days a month; the 15th waxing and waning moon day. They took the candle and water to Hor Yea to worship god. In the evening, there was sprinkling rite: pouring the water to the elder’s and To Bo’s hand. Lahu believe that this custom expels sin. After sunset, the sky was covered with darkness, and people gathered at Hor Yea to dance with joy.      Ja Kue dance is the most important to Lahu and was done on holy day to welcome and thank their guests. The dance worked well with the rhythm which is controlled by the player. Lahus just touched a little part of music then the enjoyment began.      They danced in different kinds of manners such as harvest (Ja Kerr We), mowing (Hae Por We), cotton spinning (Sa La Wor We). Moreover, there was the dance for god called Eeu Za Poi Te We because they paid a high respect to god. They worshiped god to bless them for the fertility and happy life. Lahu people were known as ingenious hunters, so the dance was influenced by the manner of animals such as birds flying (Ngae Poi Te We), bees flying (Hir Za Pae Woo Re We), and deer (Hir Noo Lor Ka Tor We).      That night, I saw the unity of Lahu both men and women who danced together. It was the women who beat the drum, cymbal and gong instead of men. And all men were willing to dance without shyness. The art of hill tribe performance revealed the equality of gender between men and women. So, Lahus give great importance to the equality of gender. Although this night was covered in darkness my mind was as bright and shining as the sun. I felt glad that I had a great opportunity to touch Lahu way of life. Even though they lived in the modern world, in a world of change, they still sustained the practice at their beat. At least, today, in holy night, the drama on TV which used to grab their attention from everyone had less importance than the sacred ceremony at Hor Yea.