The Dao people's coming-of-age ceremony is considered a milestone in the maturity of men, and also affirms that they are qualified to participate in important events of the family, clan and community. The following series of photos were taken at the family of Ms. Hoang Thi My, a Dao Tuyen in Ban Lu, Xuan Hoa commune, Lao Cai province, on the occasion of the family holding the coming-of-age ceremony for her two grandchildren, Nong Chi Thien (8 years old) and Nong Chi Hung (17 years old).
Báo Lào Cai•07/12/2025
Thien and Hung were two brothers, the children of the paternal uncle and the paternal uncle in the family. After their grandfather passed away, and when all the necessary conditions were prepared, the grandmother decided to hold a coming-of-age ceremony for the two brothers with her two sons' families.
Since morning, the monks have been present at the homeowner's house to decorate the altar, the chanting room and lead the children to "Long Ho Son" to learn how to chant according to traditional rituals. After instructing the children in religion, the teachers continued to perform the ceremony to invite the ancestors to witness.
The teachers guided the children through the "falling into the five platforms" ritual to prepare for the "falling into the five platforms" ceremony that would take place at night.
The Tam Nguyen sect's shamans perform coronation ceremonies for children with the meaning of enlightenment, helping children become clear-minded and intelligent, thereby having a good foundation for learning and training in the future.
Next, the teachers perform a ceremony to dress the child and lead the child out into the yard. The child is led and followed closely by the teachers for protection.
When going up to the stage, the teacher will go first and hold the child's hand. The child will observe the teacher's every step and follow closely behind. The children were placed on five platforms, like the coronation ceremony, showing solemnity in the ceremony.
Ceremony to welcome the fallen children. After the five-stage falling ceremony - symbolizing the child being "reborn" under the witness of the parents and becoming complete, the monks continue to perform the ceremony of granting the child the yin and yang seal. The Tam Nguyen sect's shamans perform the ordination ceremony for children. The child's initiation ceremony is not only limited to the family, but also has neighbors and relatives come to support and join in the fun.
Thus, from setting up the altar, learning the Tao, inviting ancestors to witness the coronation rituals, dropping the five altars, opening the light and giving props, each image shows the close coordination between the masters of Tam Nguyen - Tam Thanh sects. That journey not only marks the maturity of the child but also reflects the profound spiritual culture, preserved through many generations in the Dao community.
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