The unique Fire Dance ritual in Bao Nhai

Fire dancing is a sacred ritual of the Red Dao people in Bao Nhai commune. Many years ago, this folk ritual was included in the festival program of the former Bac Ha district, becoming a unique tourism product eagerly awaited by locals and tourists alike.

On the night of March 2nd (the 14th day of the first lunar month), at the Trung Do Temple grounds, the People's Committee of Bao Nhai commune organized the Fire Dance ceremony. A large crowd of local people and tourists from all over joined the festivities to witness this unique ceremony.

Fire dancing is a unique and sacred folk spiritual ritual of the Red Dao people in Bao Nhai.

According to ancient customs, the Fire Dance ritual of the Red Dao people usually takes place at the end of the year, after the harvest is complete, starting from the 10th lunar month until the end of the 1st lunar month of the following year. The ceremony is held at night to ward off evil spirits, pray for good fortune, and a bountiful harvest.

Before the Fire Dance ceremony takes place, firewood is burned in the middle of the courtyard to create a pile of glowing embers.

According to ancient tradition, only men were allowed to participate in the Fire Dance ritual. These were strong, courageous, and determined men. Before jumping into the fire, they had to ensure their bodies were clean.

With reverence, the shaman—also known as the master—performs rituals to invoke spirits to possess the practitioners of the Fire Dance ceremony—his disciples. This is a very important ritual; the Red Dao people believe that the spirits will give them the strength to dance in the fire, being burned by flames and embers, and the power to overcome all difficulties and challenges.

After being "enhanced" by the spirits, the brave Red Dao men plunge into the "sea of ​​fire," hoping to brave the difficulties and dangers so that the spirits will witness their sincerity and courage, and thus help the people protect their peaceful and prosperous lives.

Barefoot, the Red Dao boys braved the glowing embers amidst the admiring cheers of locals and tourists.

Despite wading into the blazing "sea of ​​fire," their bare feet remained unharmed, and their clothes were not scorched. The Red Dao people believe that the spirits have witnessed the villagers' sincerity and will bless them with a year of peace and prosperity.

At the end of the ceremony, the teachers and students danced to give thanks to the gods.

The Fire Dance ritual is a unique folk religious ceremony, imbued with many mystical and spiritual elements. The ceremony is performed by a large group of people, demonstrating unity and solidarity within the community, and the aspiration for a prosperous and peaceful life.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/dac-sac-nghi-le-nhay-lua-o-bao-nhai-post894862.html