Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao People

Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao People – A Milestone of Maturity and Sacred Cultural Value

The Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao people is not only an important traditional ceremony but also a meaningful maturity milestone for men in the community. Held with numerous sacred rituals over three days and three nights, the Cấp Sắc ceremony signifies the transition of responsibilities, marking a new phase in a Dao man’s life. This is not just a family event but also an occasion for the entire village to gather, honor traditions, and connect spiritually with ancestors. If you want to delve deeper into this cultural beauty, join Valor Ha Giang Loop’s journey, which offers the most unique and authentic experiences of Hà Giang’s culture.

Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao People

Introduction to the Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao People

The Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao people is one of the most significant traditional ceremonies, symbolizing a man’s maturity within the community. More than just an individual ritual, Cấp Sắc carries profound spiritual cultural imprints, reflecting deep life philosophies and communal responsibilities. It not only helps Dao men gain social recognition but also allows them to assume essential roles in spiritual life.

Timing and Conditions for Organizing the Cấp Sắc Festival

Unlike many folk festivals with fixed dates, the Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao people does not happen at a specific time but depends on individual families and clans. It is only organized when a man reaches maturity and fulfills the conditions required to perform the ceremony.

Typically, a man wishing to undergo the Cấp Sắc ceremony must adhere to numerous ethical and behavioral regulations beforehand. They must learn about spiritual rituals, cultivate morality, and avoid violating community taboos. In some cases, the man must demonstrate his ability to master prayers and ancestral worship rituals to qualify for Cấp Sắc.

Gầu Tào Festival in Ha Giang Loop

Significance of the Cấp Sắc Festival

The Cấp Sắc Festival is not merely a symbol of maturity but also ensures the man’s recognition by deities and ancestors. After completing the ceremony, he is considered to have entered a new phase of life and is eligible to take charge of significant family matters, ancestral worship, and important spiritual activities within the community.

Additionally, the Cấp Sắc ceremony embodies filial piety and gratitude toward ancestors, educating younger generations about morality. It teaches values of kindness, respect, and responsibility toward the family and clan. Thus, for the Red Dao people, this ritual is mandatory for every man in the community.

Origins of the Cấp Sắc Festival – A Sacred Legend

According to Dao legends, in ancient times, when life was threatened by evil spirits, the Jade Emperor issued an order granting men in the community a sacred decree enabling them to fight the spirits and protect the village. From this, the Cấp Sắc ceremony originated as a means of imparting and perpetuating spiritual strength, ensuring each man could fulfill their role as protector of their family and village.

Levels and Organization Process of Cấp Sắc Ceremony

The Cấp Sắc ceremony has different levels depending on the family’s and clan’s conditions. The three most common levels are:

• 3 Lanterns Level: Cấp Sắc with 36 soldiers
• 7 Lanterns Level: Cấp Sắc with 72 soldiers
• 12 Lanterns Level: Cấp Sắc with 120 soldiers (the highest level, usually organized only once every 20-30 years)

Preparations for the Cấp Sắc Festival

As a significant event, preparations for the Cấp Sắc Festival typically begin months in advance. The family of the man undergoing the ceremony must prepare essential offerings such as:

• Pigs, chickens, sugarcane, rice, wine, and other ceremonial items
• Personal items like blankets, mats, chairs, and washing basins to serve the rituals
• Involvement of relatives and villagers to assist with the ceremony arrangements

Besides preparing offerings, the man undergoing Cấp Sắc must comply with several taboos, including refraining from vulgar language, quarrels with relatives, and marital relations for one week before the ceremony.

Main Rituals of the Cấp Sắc Festival

The Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao people typically lasts for three days and three nights, featuring numerous important rituals. The ceremony begins with the reception of shamans, where the family invites spiritual masters to preside over the event. This is followed by the lamp-offering ritual, reporting to the Jade Emperor about the name and title of the man receiving Cấp Sắc. One of the most significant ceremonies is the promotion ceremony, where the shaman bestows the sacred seal, marking the man’s maturity and ability to assume new responsibilities.

Next is the ceremony for granting a spiritual name, wherein the man is given a new name representing recognition from deities and ancestors. An essential challenge of the Cấp Sắc ritual is walking on hot stones, testing the man’s bravery and perseverance. Once all the rituals are completed, the gold-burning ceremony is held to express gratitude to deities and ancestors, praying for peace and luck. Finally, the diploma ceremony officially confirms the granting of Cấp Sắc and marks the ritual’s completion.

Throughout the festival, various traditional dances like Stick Dance, Incense Offering Dance, and Turtle Dance are performed to honor cultural values and express wishes for a peaceful life and bountiful harvests.

Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao People

Conclusion

The Cấp Sắc Festival of the Red Dao people is not merely a ceremonial tradition but a testament to the profound cultural and spiritual values of the ethnic group. It represents the Dao community’s efforts to preserve traditions and educate the younger generation about filial piety, responsibility, and ancestral connection. If you ever have the chance to visit Yên Bái or areas inhabited by the Red Dao people, participating in the Cấp Sắc Festival will offer you a deeper appreciation of its sacredness and unique cultural significance.