In Trung Dình village, Huổi Lèng commune (Mường Chà district), from early morning on tomb-sweeping day, while mist still covered the mountainsides, the family of Hạng Trừ Chớ and his clan invited the shaman to conduct rituals for repairing the grave of grandmother Giàng Thị Dung. The family brought along tools to renovate the tomb (hoes, shovels) and offerings (paper money, incense, white paper, wine, a pair of cups, a 10-kg pig, and a pair of chickens). Before the ceremony, shaman Sùng Trù Cờ lit incense to seek permission from the deceased, local spirits, and ancestors, stating it was a favorable day for descendants to renovate grandmother’s grave.

Once permission was sought, family members gathered around the tomb to clear grass, cut trees, clean thoroughly the surrounding, and pile soil and stones to ensure the tomb stood high and clear, preventing wild animals from making nests or large tree roots from encroaching.

On tomb-sweeping day, grandmother Dung’s grave became bustling. Adults busily repaired the grave, while children were brought along by parents to recognize ancestors' tombs and learn respect for their heritage, embodying the Vietnamese proverb “when drinking water, remember its source”.

Hạng Trừ Chớ shared: “This is the grave of my eldest mother, who passed away before I was born. For many years, our family has carefully maintained her tomb. Today, family and relatives gather for this ceremony. Offerings and tools were prepared days ago. According to Mông tradition, tomb-sweeping day is an occasion for descendants to honor and remember ancestors and roots, and to pray for health, luck, and prosperity.”

According to shaman Sùng Trù Cờ, offerings depend on family circumstances. Wealthier families may use a large pig, whereas others may offer only a pair of chickens, emphasizing the sincerity behind the gesture. On this important day, all descendants attend together.

Shaman Sùng Trù Cờ further shared: “After renovating the tomb, the shaman and family prepare the offerings, typically one pig, a pair of chickens, and paper money. After the ritual, descendants kneel before the tomb to express gratitude towards their ancestors and recall their roots.”

Hạng A Lòng, deputy head of the Hạng clan in Trung Dình village, said: “The tomb-sweeping ceremony is a valuable cultural tradition of the Mông people. Our elders have preserved and passed down this meaningful practice, deeply embedding it in our consciousness. We will continue educating younger generations to uphold this beautiful custom.”

The ceremony’s significance extends beyond ancestral remembrance. It includes prayers for health, unity, love, and mutual encouragement among family members, motivating productivity, prosperity, and a harmonious life.