Sa Pa promotes Red Dao community’s maturity ritual
A maturity ritual (Cap Sac) of the Red Dao ethnic community took place as a joyful New Year activity in Sa Pa district in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on February 18.
A Red Dao ethnic male aged from 12 to 30, and even order, is able to enter a maturity ritual that can give recognition for a maximum of 13 people.
All Dao men must go through the rite, which is normally organised among local families, in order to be recognised by the community as mature enough to undertake communal positions. The ritual holds a significant educational value as it promotes good deeds as well as family and community responsibilities.
With the traditional ceremony publicly depicted, Sa Pa authorities expect it to become a tourist attraction.
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Folk games, such as tug-of-war and bamboo pole climbing, were also highlights of the festival.
“Cap Sac” rite of the Dao ethnic minority group has been recognised as part of the national intangible cultural heritage.
