Red Dao people preserve Lunar New Year customs

For the Dao people in northern Yen Bai province, preparing for the Tet holiday is an important task that begins in the final days of the lunar year. Before Tet, people finish their farming work, harvest the last crops, clean their houses, and prepare food and offerings for the ancestral worship ceremony. These offerings include chicken, pork, fruits, and rice wine. One indispensable item in the Red Dao’s New Year celebration is the bánh chưng gù (humpbacked sticky rice cake).

"To make bánh chưng gù, one must be meticulous, from selecting rice, leaves, beans, and meat to the wrapping technique,” said Dang Thi Tien, a local Red Dao woman, sharing the process of making this special cake.

“The lá dong (dong leaves) are laid flat, and the glutinous rice is placed just right, not too much, not too little, or the cake won’t look good. Then, a layer of lightly crushed green beans and seasoned pork is added. The two edges of the leaf are folded together, and the cake is tightly bound with bamboo strings before being boiled for eight hours."

Ancestral worship is a crucial ritual during the New Year celebration of the Red Dao. On New Year’s Eve, families prepare a feast featuring boiled chicken, sticky rice, pork, bánh chưng gù, fruits, and rice wine. These offerings are respectfully placed on the ancestral altar to pray for health, peace, and a prosperous harvest. After the ceremony, families perform rituals to ward off evil spirits and protect their village from misfortune. When midnight arrives, families gather, enjoy the festive meal, and share warm conversations.

Early on Lunar New Year’s Day, Red Dao families prepare a generous feast to welcome the first visitor of the year. The meal reflects gratitude to ancestors and respect for guests. Aside from bánh chưng gù, traditional dishes such as red sticky rice, boiled pork, grilled chicken, bamboo-tube rice, and steamed vegetables are also served. A staple of the New Year feast is corn wine, which is shared among family members and guests to wish for a year of good health and fortune. Adults also give children red envelopes as a symbol of luck, good health, and academic success. Afterward, people visit relatives and neighbours to exchange New Year's greetings.

Ông Triệu Xuân Hoàn, a resident of Tân Lĩnh commune, Lục Yên district, Yên Bái province, explained:
"Beforehand, the homeowner must invite a suitable guest to be the first-footer on New Year’s Day. This person should be a man whose age aligns well with the homeowner’s. During the meal, the host pours wine to thank the guest and together they exchange wishes for good health, prosperity, and the removal of past misfortunes with the old year," explained Trieu Xuan Hoan a resident of Tan Linh commune, Yen Bai province.

During the New Year celebrations, Red Dao people put on their finest traditional clothing and go on spring outings. Duet singing is an essential cultural activity that combines entertainment with a deep expression of their ethnic identity. Traditional folk games such as tug-of-war and stilt walking are also organized, bringing joy and strengthening the community spirit.

"During the Tet holiday, I wear my ethnic attire and celebrate with the villagers, sharing stories from the past year. I hope that the new year brings good fortune and better opportunities for everyone," said Trieu Thi Tiep from Hai Tuc village, Luc Yen district, Yen Bai province.

Each Lunar New Year reinforces the Red Dao people’s deep connection to their roots, inspiring them to preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage.