Chang Naga

According to oral tradition, the Changs emerged from a place called Changsangmongko, and later settled at Changsang.

[6][7] Hamlet Bareh (2010) lists four major exogamous Chang clans (phangs), each with a traditional religious function.

[4] According to the Chang mythology, their ancestors lived with wild animals, some of which have assumed the status of clan spirits.

[8] Braja Bihari Kumara (2005) lists five Chang clans: Chongpo, Ung, Lomou, Kangshou and Kudamji.

The person with maximum number of hunted heads was given the position of lakbou (chief), who would settle the village disputes.

The Changs constructed a platformed called "Mullang Shon" in the center of the village, which would serve as a public court.

Issues such as village administration, cultivation, festivals, marriages and land boundaries were discussed on this platform.

This council maintains peace and order in the village, settles civil disputes according to the traditional laws, arranges for arrest of criminals and enforces the Government regulations.

[4] Traditionally, the Ongbou (the village priest from the Ong clan) performed major sacrifices during the festivals.

Milk, fruits and vegetables were not a major part of the traditional Chang food habits, but have been adopted widely in the modern times.

Rice beer used to be of high social and ritual importance, but has largely been abandoned after the conversion of Changs to Christianity.

[4] On Naknyulem festival, elderly men carve 'yan' (top) and make kongki (Jew 'sharp ).Young boys compete in top-spinning and are rewarded with millet cakes and other delicacies.

It is believed that gods come down to the earth every night during festivals and collect yan & vii (saponaria seeds), hence, each of these are placed at the entrance of every house.

According to the Chang mythology, the ancient people had to remain inside their homes for six days due to extreme darkness.

At sunset, seeds called Vui long are buried inside the rice husks and burnt around the house.

People don't go out of their homes at sunset, as it is believed that the spirit Shambuli Muhgha visits the village, and harms anyone outside the house.

The Changs carried out barter trade with the other ethnic groups (Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, Ao and Konyak), exchanging shawls and other garments for the things they needed.