Research & Article

The Akha are a tribal group located in Burma and Thailand who, according to the research program of the Tribal Research Centre located in Chiang Mai, are classified among the Tibeto-Burman linguistic group. Much like the religious and ceremonial aspects of other tribal groups in northern Thailand, the Akha are both animists and worshippers of their ancestors. This article focuses on one extremely important event for the Akha: the Swinging Ceremony. The ceremony, which celebrates the maturation of planted rice, takes place every August at a time predetermined by the most auspicious day of each village’s headman and lasts four days. On the first day the Akha in each household slaughter chickens to offer their ancestors. On the second day the swings are built, while the third day is for feasting. The fourth and final day is spent swinging. In addition to outlining the specifics of each day of the ceremony, the article discusses the distinct significance of village ceremonies for the Akha girls.