Fire dancing ritual of the Pa Then people in Tan Trinh Commune

The fire dancing ritual of the Pa Then people in Tan Trinh Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, offered viewers moments filled with mystique. The ritual reflects their faith in deities, the power of community, prayers for peace, bountiful harvests, and the Pa Then people’s aspiration for victory.

In the spiritual life of the Pa Then community in Tan Trinh, fire is a sacred symbol representing life, protection, and the power of the deities.

The offering tray is simple, consisting of a rooster, a bowl of rice, incense, rice wine, and votive paper.

After about 20 minutes, as the rhythm of the musical instrument intensifies, the young men believed to be “chosen by the deities” begin to bend forward, their bodies trembling, their eyes transformed, and their heads shaking vigorously.

Barefoot steps leap onto the glowing embers without being burned.

Red-hot embers scatter with each jump, creating a scene that is both fierce and mystical.

The fire dancers spin and dance atop the blazing ember pit amid cheers from locals and visitors.

Continuous leaps on the burning coals send embers flying, forming streams of light within the circle of spectators.

The young men’s bare feet press onto the glowing coals without any sign of burns, and even their clothes show no scorch marks.

Some young men sit on ritual chairs, beating out rhythms for the next “energy transmission”.

The red hues of traditional costumes blend with the firelight, creating a radiant space characteristic of year-end festivities.

Khanh Linh