Ruou Can Social Drink, Vietnam
Ruou Can (Literally “Tube Alcohol”) is not drunk in glasses or cups, but sucked through long reed straws. A specialty drink of many ethnic minorities, Ruou Can is the communal drink of festivities.
Characteristic of Vietnam’s wet0rice culture, Ruou Can has been present for a very long time in the northern provinces of Ha Giamg, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Lang Song, Hoa Binh, and even in Tay Nguyen (the Central Highlands). Ruou Can is made from a variety of ingredients such as rice, corn, cassava, millet or sorghum, all brewed together with fermented leaves. The concoction is placed in a large ceramic jar and then buried underground, the longer the better. When served, the jars are dug and filled with spring water (or cool boiled water). The wine is sipped through long straws.
Drinking Ruou Can is an art, as each ethnic group has a unique way of drinking it. Ruou Can has a low alcoholic volume, thus giving a very special feeling that no other wines can give. The strong aroma of fermented Ruou Can gives a pleasant, delightful sensation. Drinkers will want to keep on drinking even when already tipsy in order to retain this wonderful state. For this reason, Ruou Can is not to be drunk by a lonely person who wants to drive away his sadness. Rather, it is a communal drink for many people together in times of joy holidays and festivals, after a successful harvest, or to receive special guests.
Traditionally guests and elderly are invited to take the sip first and then the host joins in. According to a Tay Nguyen tradition, Giang (heaven) taught people how to make Ruou Can. After opening the jar the host will pray to Giang to bring good luck and health to the guests. Everyone will gather around the jar of Ruou Can to take in the alcohol. The guest is obliged to drink as much as possible in order to show their sincerity to the host. The Thai ethnic group has a tradition of enjoying Thai songs and dances while drinking Ruou Can. Both the guests and the host are so carried away that the party never seems to stop.
No longer a drink just for ethnic people in mountainous areas, Ruou Can has made its way to gatherings and bonfires of young people and has even gained popularity among city dwellers. Drinking Ruou Can is a communal activity which has come to be associated with joy and laughter. It is considered by many people to be a symbol of happiness, friendship and solidarity. Ruou Can is attracting more Vietnamese people and foreign visitors to enjoy and explore a unique trait of mountainous wilderness.
Source: Heritage