ambarvalia

"[T]he people, they do exist from time to time, but they're only a shadow. When they need rice, the people are the buffalo that pulls the plow. When they need soldiers, they cover the people with armor, put guns in the people's hands. When all is said and done, at the festivals, when it comes time for the banquets, they put the people on the altar, and feed them incense and ashes. But the real food, that's always for them."

Novel Without A Name, Duong Thu Huong.