Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Akha Village Swing


Up the embankment from the gate was the famous Akha swing. The swing consisted of four thinner tree trunks tied together at the top, sort of like a tepee. Near the top I could see the inner tube swing, its rope now securely tied around one pole. According to an Akha myth, humans came down from heaven through the swing. This swing is used for four days during a festival occurring 120 days after the village has planted its rice. It celebrates the hard work just expended on weeding the rice and tending to other crops. During the festival, villagers of all ages swing fast and high.

No comments: