The fire-jumping ritual of the Dao and San Diu people in Quang Ninh creates a cultural attraction.

The fire-jumping ritual of the Dao people at the Ban Vuong Festival, Ba Che commune, Quang Ninh province. Photo: Doan Hung

The fire-jumping ritual is a long-standing custom associated with major festivals such as the Ban Vuong festival of the Dao people and the Dai Phan festival of the San Diu people in Quang Ninh.

These festivals are usually held from the end of November in the lunar calendar until the end of January of the following year - a time when people have just finished their harvest and are entering the early year festival season.

A spacious courtyard for the fire-jumping ritual at the Ban Vuong Festival, Ba Che commune, Quang Ninh province. Photo: Doan Hung.

To prepare for the fire-jumping ritual, the organizers will select a large open space, arrange firewood in the middle of the space (like a campfire), light it to create glowing embers, and then spread them out in the middle of the space.

The fire dance participants usually consist of 4-6 people, mostly artisans and shamans from the community.

Before the fire dance, participants perform a ritual called "spirit possession." After the ritual, participants jump barefoot on glowing embers, even tossing the embers high into the air with their hands, creating bright streaks of fire in the night.

Folk artist Trieu Thanh Xuan (Lang Cong village, Ba Che commune) said: "The ritual cannot be arbitrarily imitated; only those who have been trained can perform it."

"Dancing on hot coals, participants will have a moment of 'ecstasy' walking on burning coals, jumping, and tossing the burning coals high into the air. The ritual is meant to ward off illness and misfortune."

The fire dance is the most anticipated ritual of the Ban Vuong Festival in Ba Che commune, enjoyed by both locals and tourists. It's also an occasion for people to give thanks to the deities, pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and a peaceful life, and to entrust their faith in the sacred fire bringing good fortune at the beginning of the year.

Along with the Dao people, the San Diu people in Quang Ninh also maintain the custom of fire jumping (or wading through coals) during the Dai Phan Festival, such as in some San Diu ethnic communities in the Van Don special zone, Hai Hoa commune, Thong Nhat commune, etc.

The bare feet of the artist after performing the fire-jumping ritual. Photo: Doan Hung

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Anh, a cultural studies scholar from Hai Phong City, stated: "In the worldview of the Dao and San Diu people, deities are always present, protecting people. Those participating in the fire dance believe they are protected by the spirits, so even walking on hot coals, they will not get burned, creating a mystical atmosphere for the ritual."

The ceremony, usually held at night, is deeply spiritual but also rich in social significance. It is an occasion for the people to give thanks to the gods, pray for bountiful harvests, a prosperous life, and good health for the villagers; thereby educating about traditions and strengthening community bonds.

With its unique cultural and religious values, the fire-jumping ritual has become a representative intangible cultural heritage, contributing to the preservation of national identity and creating a distinctive cultural tourism experience in Quang Ninh.

Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/nghi-le-nhay-lua-cua-nguoi-dao-san-diu-o-quang-ninh-tao-suc-hut-van-hoa-1657565.ldo