The bracelet (kong) is one of the traditional jewelry of the Jrai people. The bracelet is usually small, flat, and about 0.5 cm thick.
According to Mr. Kbor Lang (Ia Soa hamlet, Krong Nang commune, Krong Pa district), the custom of wearing copper bracelets has existed for a long time and has been passed down through many generations. Copper bracelets are attached to each Jrai person from birth until death. Right from birth, in the ear-blowing ceremony, copper bracelets appear as a first-life amulet. Coming-of-age ceremonies, praying for luck, celebrating the new age... all have copper bracelets attached.
The shaman reads the prayer while holding the hand of the person performing the ceremony and putting the bracelet on it. During each offering, the bronze bracelet will be engraved with the number of marks corresponding to the number of jars of wine the homeowner uses for the ceremony, usually 3, 5 or 7 marks. Each bracelet is kept separately, considered a treasure of each person.
Mr. Ksor Mang, a Cultural and Social Officer of Ia Rto Commune (Ayun Pa Town), said: “In the past, Jrai jewelry was very diverse in materials. Depending on the circumstances and status, each person would use materials such as copper, silver, and ivory. Of which, copper was a popular material, especially bracelets worn on the wrists and ankles. This type of bracelet dates back to the Dong Son culture and is used by many ethnic groups in the Truong Son-Tay Nguyen region.
Wealthy families would use silver jewelry. Ivory, in particular, is a rare material, often used to make large earrings for women from wealthy families and large clans. Ivory earrings are delicately carved, showing luxury and status.
Over time, natural materials became increasingly scarce, so the Jrai gradually switched to using copper bracelets instead. There are many reasons why copper bracelets became more popular, such as being easy to find and affordable compared to silver or ivory.
In today’s environment, access to rare materials is becoming more difficult due to wildlife protection laws and high costs. Meanwhile, copper is easy to work with, durable, less damaged, and retains its beauty for a long time.
Not just an ornament, copper bracelets play a special role in the spiritual and cultural life of the Jrai people, present in most important ceremonies. In the engagement and betrothal ceremony, the copper bracelet is considered an important gift from the groom's family or an exchange between the two families. The girl and the boy will give or receive the copper bracelet as a promise, expressing their agreement to connect. Wearing a copper bracelet at this time has the meaning of binding and connecting for the future relationship. In the wedding ceremony, the copper bracelet continues to play a central role. Husband and wife often wear copper bracelets as a lifelong vow, symbolizing a strong and steadfast bond. This bracelet will be worn throughout their lives as a testament to their love and marriage.
In some cases, copper bracelets can also be used as an item of exchange, gift or souvenir, with the meaning of affection and connection. At only 25 years old, Nay Phien (Ia Soa hamlet) already owns 5 copper bracelets. Showing off the bracelet he is wearing on his wrist, Phien said: “After passing the civil servant exam, my family held a ceremony to pray for peace before going to work. I have been wearing the bracelet since November 2023 until now, hoping for a smooth job and good health. This is both a “lucky charm” and a beautiful piece of jewelry.”
The Jrai believe that copper bracelets carry the spiritual energy of earth, sky, and fire. When wearing a bracelet, the owner is protected by the gods, will be safe from disasters, have a peaceful life, and good health. “For the Jrai, copper bracelets keep the spirit and soul. If the bracelet is lost, it is like losing the fire in the kitchen, the homeowner will no longer be protected and sheltered by the gods. Therefore, if you have a copper bracelet, you must keep it carefully,” said Mr. Kbor Lang.
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/chiec-vong-tay-dong-trong-doi-song-tam-linh-cua-nguoi-jrai-post329738.html
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