The unique ‘Cap sac’ ritual of the Dao people in Tuyen Quang

‘Cap Sac’ is one of the most distinctive traditional cultural practices of the Dao people in Tuyen Quang. The ritual not only marks the coming of age of Dao men but also serves as a spiritual connection between humans, deities, and ancestors.

According to Dao beliefs, only after completing the ‘Cap Sac’ ritual are men recognized as adults and permitted to participate in important ceremonies, get married, worship ancestors, and assume responsibilities within their families and communities.

The ‘Cap Sac’ ritual of the Dao people in Tuyen Quang has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The ‘Cap sac’ ceremony marks the maturity of the Dao men.

The ritual is held over several days and nights, under the guidance of a shaman, and includes a wide range of ceremonial activities.

The man receiving the ‘Cap Sac’ must take part in a series of ritual activities, including inviting deities, welcoming the shaman, setting up altars, granting sacred light, and being bestowed a ritual name.

The gong dance is performed to invite the deities during the ‘Cap Sac’ ritual.

The shaman plays a central role throughout the entire ritual.

Sacred masks are believed to influence the presence of deities during the ‘Cap Sac’ ritual.

An Giang