The Dao Red Ethnic group

Perhaps there are no words that can fully capture the beauty of the 12-lantern ritual ceremony of the Red Dao people in Lao Cai. If we were to use one word to describe this most significant ritual, we should see it through the lens of "heart", a heart that originates from the "spiritual heart" in rituals and also stems from the "wholeheartedness" in the desire to demonstrate the maturity of Red Dao men in fulfilling their responsibilities to themselves, their community, and their nation. The event commenced with a ceremony welcoming the guest of honor to preside over the official ceremony. The teachers conduct purification ceremonies for the students prior to performing sacred rituals. The dancing of turtles and bell dancing are elaborate performances carried out throughout the day and night during important ceremonial events. "Within the cultural landscape of Vietnam, the Dao people stand out as a community with incredibly unique cultural characteristics. They maintain a distinct national cultural identity, embodying a pure cultural essence untouched by outside influences or mixing with any other elements. The traditional hierarchy within the Dao community spans various levels, from the lowest rank of 3 lights to the highest rank of 12 lights, with each level holding significance in cultural meanings and reflecting a particular level of attainment. The ceremony of receiving the 12-light rank is the most significant and revered event, representing the pinnacle of spiritual and cultural importance within the Dao red ethnic group's belief system." In Dao culture, the ritual master holds a significant role in the spiritual and cultural life of the community, being highly respected. Revered as the embodiment of divine spirit, the ritual master plays a crucial part in important ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and initiation rites of the Dao people. The ceremonial ritual of the 12 torches initiation among the Red Dao people signifies a significant milestone in the maturity of each man within the community. Those who undergo this initiation are considered adults and are entrusted with important responsibilities within the village. According to Dao beliefs, men, even the elderly, who have not undergone the 12 torches initiation are not considered adults as they have not been officially recognized, initiated into the faith, given a spiritual name… The Dao people hold the 12 torches initiation ceremony in high regard, viewing it as a crucial rite of passage that must be completed during their lifetime, especially for men. They believe that only those who have undergone the initiation possess the necessary wisdom and virtue to discern right from wrong, and are acknowledged as descendants of the Ban Vuong. Each year, the Dao people carefully select an auspicious date for the ceremony, as well as determining the appropriate number of participants. During the 12 torches initiation, there are 12 primary masters and assistant masters who oversee the ceremony, while the participants are referred to as disciples. Participation in the 12 torches initiation is not taken lightly, and those selected must be well-versed in the rituals, procedures,…