Dien Bien: Dao people’s maturity ritual recognised as national intangible heritage
The “cap sac” (maturity ritual) of the Dao Quan chet ethnic minority people in the northwestern mountainous province of Dien Bien’s Tua Chua district has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in accordance with a decision issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on January 22, 2020.
The “cap sac” (maturity ritual) of the Dao Quan chet ethnic minority people in the northwestern mountainous province of Dien Bien’s Tua Chua district has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. (Photo: Dienbientv)
Dien Bien (VNA) - The “cap sac” (maturity ritual) of theDao Quan chet ethnic minority people in the northwestern mountainous province ofDien Bien’s Tua Chua district has been recognised as a national intangible culturalheritage in accordance with a decision issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sportsand Tourism on January 22, 2020.
A certificate of recognition was handed over to local authorities at a ceremonyheld by the district People’s Committee on December 7.
The “cap sac” ritual is a rite of passage declaring the coming-of-age of Dao menin the locality.
This is the most important ritual ceremony in the life of a Dao man and is a necessarypart of being recognised as an adult. Only after passing can a Dao man be consideredmature.
In Dao society, only those who pass the “cap sac”ritual can become family owners or village heads and worship the ancestors.
The Dao people believe that a Dao man who passesthe ritual is “grown up”, even though he is still actually quite young. He can joinimportant community events in the village and become a teacher, sorcerer, or medicalpractitioner, the three jobs considered important among the Dao people.
For these reasons, no matter how rich or poor heis, a Dao man must be initiated.
The ceremony is usually held from December 4 to 7, when local people enjoy freetime following the harvest. For the Dao, these are the best days and month of the year.
The cultural practice features many stages, includinga welcoming ceremony and a thanksgiving ritual for the ancestors, the presentationof offerings, musical performances, and the rounding off of the ceremonial ritual.
😼 Dien Bien province is now home to 10 recognised national intangible culturalheritages./.
Vietnam has added 11 more cultural icons to the list of national intangible cultural heritage, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The ‘Cap Sac’ ritual is an indispensable proceeding in the life of every DaoTien male as it helps him earn the recognition of being mature enough to join in the community’s major activities.
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The “cap sac” (maturity ritual) of the Dao Quan chet ethnic minority people in the northwestern mountainous province of Dien Bien’s Tua Chua district has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. (Photo: Dienbientv) 
