Yimchunger
 A Yimchunger Naga woman at the morung of Kutur village | |
| Languages | |
|---|---|
| Yimchungrü language | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other Naga tribes |
Yimchunger is one of the major Naga tribes of Nagaland, India.[1]
History
According to the Yimchunger tradition, the tribe emerged at a village called Moru and then came to Jure village.[2] The Yimchungers and the Khiamungans are believed to have migrated to the present-day Nagaland from Upper Burma as one group, in one wave. They separated into two groups at the Moru village.[1]
Culture
The musical instruments of the Yimchungers include simple log drums, trumpets and flutes, similar to that of the Angamis.[1]
The traditional dress of the Yimchungers includes colorful cane-made headgear decorated with hair and bird feathers.
Metemneo festival
Metemneo is the traditional five-day harvest festival of the Yimchunger tribe. It is celebrated after the millet crop is harvested, usually in the second week of August.[3]
The ceremonies are inaugurated by the village elder khiungpu. The five-day festivals include:
| Day | Ceremony | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sito | Communal cleaning of the village, repair of village roads |
| 2 | Shito | Repair of the paths leading to the fields, clearing up of intrusive landslides |
| 3 | Zhimto | Repair of inter-village roads |
| 4 | Chiresco | Cleaning of water points and springs |
| 5 | Siresok | Cleaning and worship of agricultural tools |
The tribals pray for the souls of the deceased, invite friends home and exchange gifts. The festival is marked by engagements between the young tribals.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ved Prakash (2007). Encyclopaedia Of North-east India Vol# 5. Atlantic. pp. 2137–2138. ISBN 978-81-269-0707-6.
- ↑ M Alemchiba (1970). A brief historical account of Nagaland. Naga Institute of Culture. p. 21. OCLC 246670722.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Festivals: Metemneo". District Administration, Kiphire District. Retrieved 2011-10-24.