MYTHOLOGIES OF THE CHANG TRIBE

 

The Chang tribe, also known as the Chang Naga, are a Tibeto-Burman Naga ethnic group inhabiting the Northeast Indian state of Nagaland. The Chang people was also known as Mazung in British India. Other Naga ethnic groups know the Changs by different names including Changhai (Khiamniungan), Changru (Yimkhiung), Duenching (upper Konyak), Machungrr (Ao), Mochumi (Sümi) and Mojung (Konyak). They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (STs). According to oral tradition, the Changs emerged from a place called Changsangmongko, and later settled at Changsang. The word Chang is said to have been derived from the word chognu (banyan tree), after a mythical banyan tree that grew at the now-abandoned Changsang. Another theory says that the Chang migrated to present-day Nagaland from the east, and therefore call themselves Chang (“Eastern” in the local dialect). Some Changs also claim the Aos as their ancestors. The Chang folklore is similar to that of the Ao.

Chang Tribe

The Chang people, also known as the Chang Naga, are a Tibeto-Burman Naga ethnic group inhabiting the Northeast Indian state of Nagaland. The Chang people was also known as Mazung in British India. Other Naga ethnic groups know the Changs by different names including Changhai (Khiamniungan), Changru (Yimkhiung), Duenching (upper Konyak), Machungrr (Ao), Mochumi (Sümi) and Mojung (Konyak). They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (STs). According to oral tradition, the Changs emerged from a place called Changsangmongko, and later settled at Changsang. The word Chang is said to have been derived from the word chognu (banyan tree), after a mythical banyan tree that grew at the now-abandoned Changsang. Another theory says that the Chang migrated to present-day Nagaland from the east, and therefore call themselves Chang (“Eastern” in the local dialect). Some Changs also claim the Aos as their ancestors. The Chang folklore is similar to that of the Ao.

The word chang is derieved from the word ‘CHANGENNYU’ which means ‘standing tall’ or ‘towering above its surrounding’. It is believed that the Chang tribe originated from a particular peepal tree (Chongnyu) which was exceptional tall and huge and could be seen from every direction. Because of the tree’s exceptional and outstanding structure it was described as ‘CHANGENNYU’ in Chang dialect which means ‘standing tall’ or ‘towering above its surrounding’. According to Chang oral narrations and history, before man became conscious or aware of his own self and existence he was living in perfect harmony with all the living creatures. In fact it is said that man’s relationship with other living creatures was to such extent that he was able to freely communicate with every living creature around him and vice versa. An instance where such a relationship existed is exemplified in the relationship which man shared with the tiger and its gradual deterioration as man slowly became aware of his own self and existence. This special relationship is not only filled with instinctive communications but also with songs and dances which man shared with the tiger. Till today the Chang’s revere and remember the place where man danced with the tiger (MOLO-DOMSHANG) in Chang dialect and the famous meaning of the song and theme ‘SALAPONG’ which means the tiger will devour the man. However as man became increasingly self aware, he departed ways with his fellow creatures, even the tiger. Subsequently, as man attained consciousness, they settled together as a community at their place of origin. This place was the first Chang settlement or village and is known as ‘Changsang’, ‘sang’ which means village in Chang dialect. Changsang is located 22km from Tuensang town, located between Tuensang village and Hakchang village.

Naknyulem is a fun-filled festival that is celebrated by the people of the Chang tribe. It is promoted to celebrate not only friendship but the culture and tradition of the tribe. The festival is held during July, and it is filled with dance, songs and several exciting games. You will get to witness different games like Tug-of-war, Long jump, high jump, top-spinning, grabbing cooked-pork with the mouth, and many more. There are pretty weird games out there too that you would find quite amusing. This festival allows you to hear the mystical sound of a Naga instrument called the ‘Kongkhim’ that is played only by the women. Overall, you will have a gala time while participating in the festival.

Changsang dance is a traditional folk dance performed by the Chang Naga Tribe of Nagaland during Naknyulüm festival in the month of July. Changsang dance is performed in praise of the birth-place of mankind and the earth. Prayers run neck to neck along with the dance during the festival to which the dance is associated in order to propitiate the sky God. Colorful outfits accompanied by matching songs are performed during the period of Puanglem/Nknyulum festival by the Chang Nagas. The Chang Lo Dance also known as ‘Sua Lua‘ is a traditional folk dance of the Chang Naga tribe of Nagaland. It is performed to celebrate the victory over enemies in the earlier times.

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