“Maturity” ritual of Dao ethnic in Lao Cai
VOV.VN - “Cấp sắc”, which means “maturity ritual”, is a typical cultural feature of the Dao people. They believe an adult man who has not passed a “cap sac” ritual is not acknowledged as mature and is unqualified to practice and attend hamlet rituals and works.
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| A welcoming ceremony for the sorcerer who will host the ritual. |
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| Dao ethnic men play music to welcome the sorcerer. |
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| The sorcerer prepares necessary documents for the ritual. |
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| Worshipping paintings are inevitable in any maturity rituals of Dao ethnic group. |
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| The corner where Dao ethnic people set up their family's major altar. |
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| An area reserved for Dao boys to be acknowledged as mature. |
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| The sorcerer conducts a rite to inform the ancestors of the ceremony. |
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| A wedding ceremony is collectively held for couples receiving "le cap sac". |
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| Dao ethnic women in colourful costumes during the ritual. |
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| Dao ethnic women conduct a small ritual before having meal. |
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| A space reserved for Dao women taking part in the ritual. |
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| Having vegan food during the ritual |
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| Shamans conduct a ritual dedicated to the Jade Emperor at a twelve-lamp "le cap sac" or granting maturity ritual. |
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| Yin and Yang wooden bars, inevitable tools of any shamans during the ritual. |
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| The ritual can also be held for those having died who are symbolised by small bamboo dummies written with their names and birth dates. |
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| On the last day of the ritual, all couples gather outdoor waiting for their acknowledgement by the shaman. |
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| Dao women in bride costumes waiting for their acknowledgement. |
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| Mother and daughter are both waiting for their acknowledgement. |
