The 12-lamp initiation ceremony of the Red Dao people

The origin of the coming-of-age ceremony is still passed down in the Dao community through a legend. As an important traditional ritual of the highland people, the coming-of-age ceremony of the Red Dao holds great significance for every man of the ethnic group. It marks a milestone in the maturity of a Red Dao man and is an indispensable spiritual element in the cultural and religious life of the people.

So what exactly is special about the Red Dao people's coming-of-age ceremony? Today, let's explore this ritual with author Vu Van Lam (Vu Lam) through the photo series "The 12-Lamp Coming-of-Age Ceremony of the Red Dao People." This photo series was submitted by the author to the Happy Vietnam Photo and Video Contest, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications . The coming-of-age ceremony of the Red Dao people, also known as the "Lập tịnh" ceremony, plays a crucial role and holds great significance for every man living in the villages of the Northwest highlands. This is the day they are recognized as having reached maturity, both physically and spiritually, and is therefore highly valued and respected. According to the Red Dao people's beliefs, this is the day when the men of the family and clan receive recognition from the gods and spirits, and can begin their careers as shamans after the ceremony. More than just an occasion to recognize the maturity of a man in the clan, the Coming-of-Age Ceremony of the Red Dao people also reflects moral principles, guiding people towards goodness and always remembering the great contributions of their ancestors, and emphasizing the importance of remembering one's origins and roots. For this reason, the coming-of-age ceremony of the Red Dao people has become a widespread and mandatory custom for all men of the clan. They highly value this ceremony, and especially, from the moment they are born, the men of the family and clan all aspire to have the coming-of-age ceremony held, to be granted their rank, and to be granted a high rank.

The coming-of-age ceremony of the Red Dao people embodies their concepts of education and philosophy of life.

The priests went out into the ceremonial courtyard, used horns to call upon the Jade Emperor, announcing the start of the main ceremony and requesting the Jade Emperor's witness. In fact, the Red Dao coming-of-age ceremony is not held on a specific day. As a mandatory community ritual, the Red Dao coming-of-age ceremony is held on an open scale, involving individuals, multiple individuals within the same family or clan, or even a collective ceremony for many families, clans, and villages. Therefore, the Red Dao coming-of-age ceremony is divided into several different levels. According to the beliefs of the Dao ethnic group, the higher the rank a person holds, the greater the honor they bring to their family and lineage. For this reason, Red Dao men must continuously learn, improve, and cultivate their skills throughout their lives, aiming to attain higher ranks and bring honor to their family and lineage.

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