The Unique Ritual Of The "Lễ Cấp Sắc" Among The Dao Tien People In Bach Thong, Bac Kan.

The Dao Tien people in Don Phong commune, Bach Thong district, Bac Kan (now Thai Nguyen) always believe that a man, no matter how old, whether married or with children, is not truly mature until he has undergone the initiation ceremony. Only after completing this ritual is he recognized by ancestors, deities, and the community as a true man.

Today, join me in attending the initiation ceremony of Triệu Tuấn Ninh, the son of Triệu Văn Nam from Na Lồm hamlet, Don Phong, Bach Thong.

Right from early morning, the atmosphere in the village has become lively. Vehicles are parked all along the entrance, and relatives from far and wide gather to celebrate together. The sounds of laughter and conversation blend with drums, gongs, and the resonating offerings, creating a unique cultural space rich in the identity of the Dao Tien people.

For Nam's family, this is an incredibly meaningful day. After the initiation ceremony, his son will be given a spiritual name, officially having a name in the spiritual world of the Dao. From now on, he will be recognized by ancestors and deities, becoming an adult with responsibilities to his family and lineage.

The whole clan comes together to organize the ceremony

The initiation ceremony is not just a private affair of one family but a significant event for the entire clan. Many days prior, relatives have come together to prepare offerings, set up the ceremonial space, slaughter pigs, prepare food, and welcome distant guests.

In Nam's family's initiation ceremony, three fat pigs are prepared for the three days of celebration. Each relative has their own task: some cook, some prepare offerings, and others welcome guests. The atmosphere is bustling but filled with joy and community bonding.

Ten rituals on the journey to adulthood

According to the elders in Don Phong, a traditional initiation ceremony of the Dao Tien consists of many successive rituals. Among them are ceremonies such as the hat ceremony, presentation, lighting the lamp, naming, crossing the bridge, presenting to Ngọc Hoàng, the red thread ceremony, visiting the heavenly court, and the gratitude ceremony to Bàn Vương.

Each ritual carries its own significance, symbolizing the spiritual journey of the initiated person. The rituals are continuously performed under the guidance of three main ritualists along with many assistants.

The sounds of gongs and drums resonate almost non-stop for many days and nights, creating a sacred and solemn atmosphere.

The lighting ceremony – the most important ritual

Throughout the initiation process, the lighting ceremony is considered the most sacred and important ritual.

The initiated person sits on a small chair placed in front of the ancestral altar. In the presence of family, clan, and deities, the ritualists perform the transmission ceremony.

The lamps are placed on the head and shoulders of the initiated person. The light from these lamps symbolizes wisdom, morality, and the right path that a man must pursue throughout his life.

According to the beliefs of the Dao Tien people, from this moment, the deities officially recognize the maturity of the initiated person.

Given a spiritual name and lifelong teachings

After the lighting ceremony comes the naming ritual, also known as the granting of a spiritual name.

A spiritual name is a sacred name used in spiritual life. The Dao believe that when returning to their ancestors, this spiritual name will help the ancestors recognize their descendants.

Along with the granting of a spiritual name, the initiated person is also taught moral teachings and ways of living. The ritualists read to the "con hương" the prohibitions, vows, and reminders to live with filial piety towards parents, respect for ancestors, honesty, courage, not being greedy, not doing evil, and always being ready to help others.

This is the most valuable part of the initiation ceremony, as this ritual not only recognizes maturity but also educates the character of the younger generation.

Nights of singing in the mountains

As night falls, the atmosphere of the initiation ceremony becomes even more special. After the main rituals, the sounds of singing begin to resonate in the yard. Young men and women in traditional attire sing congratulatory songs, expressing gratitude and blessings for the initiated person.

According to Mr. Lý Tiến An from Vằng Bó hamlet, Don Phong commune, there are variations in whether the singing takes place inside the house or outside in the yard. Some clans do not require an open sky, but for the Triệu clan today, a pro-ximăng must be removed to allow for an open sky throughout the singing process, regardless of rain or wind.

The Triệu clan must abstain from marital relations and avoid dogs seven days before the initiation ceremony. There are 15 ritualists who take turns assisting each other throughout the initiation process, including three main ritualists, Mr. An added. Over the three days, the ritualists continuously perform smaller rituals.

Cultural heritage rich in human values

After three days and two nights, Triệu Tuấn Ninh (the initiated person) is somewhat exhausted, and the final rituals are gradually coming to a close, with joy radiating on the host's face. The three pigs have been slaughtered, the three-day ceremony is complete, and the sounds of laughter are gradually flowing down the mountainside, as Nam's son is given a "spell" to grant him a name and title.

What is special is that behind these rituals imbued with spiritual significance lies profound human values. The initiation ceremony teaches people to respect their ancestors, be grateful to their parents, live sincerely, be responsible to the community, and adhere to beautiful moral standards.

These values have helped the initiation ceremony of the Dao Tien people in Don Phong be recognized in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This is not only a source of pride for the Dao Tien people but also a valuable part of the cultural heritage of Bac Kan, which needs to be preserved and passed on to future generations.