The custom of worshipping stone dogs – A unique spiritual cultural trait of the Tay and Nung people in Cao Bang.

For generations, the Tày and Nùng people in Cao Bằng have preserved many traditional customs that are rich in ethnic identity, among which the worship of stone dogs is a special and meaningful belief.

For the Tày and Nùng people, dogs are not only close animals but are also considered spiritual beings capable of warding off evil spirits and protecting the family's peace. They believe that dogs can only guard the "yang" part, while to protect the house from demons, a stone dog must be placed at the entrance.

Therefore, in front of many Tày and Nùng houses, there is often a stone dog in a sitting or lying position. When building a new house, the homeowner will ask a shaman to choose a good day, select the stone, and carve the stone dog to suit the age and feng shui of the house.

In front of many Tày and Nùng houses, there is often a stone dog in a sitting or lying position.

The people believe that the stone dog will help ward off negative energy, keep the house safe, and bring luck and prosperity. Especially for houses with poor feng shui, the stone dog becomes even more important.

Not only placed at the entrance as a guardian, the stone dog is also worshipped on the first day of the month, the full moon day, and during significant family occasions. During Tet, the homeowner also boils grapefruit leaves to bathe the stone dog, pastes red paper on its back like a new coat, wishing for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

The artisan is carving the stone dog

The worship of stone dogs is not only a folk belief but also reflects the rich spiritual life of the Tày and Nùng people in Cao Bằng. This is a unique traditional cultural beauty that contributes to creating a distinct identity for this mountainous region.