With its relatively unspoiled beauty, Si Thau Chai village in Ho Thau commune is becoming an attractive community tourism destination for visitors.
The Dao people (Dao Dau Bang group) live concentrated in 7 villages of Ho Thau commune, including: Si Thau Chai, Chu Lin, Gia Khau, Ta Chai, Nhieu Sang, Pho Ho Thau, and Rung Oi Kheo Thau, with a population of over 3,000 people. Like other ethnic groups in the mountainous region, the main occupation of the Dao people in Ho Thau is slash-and-burn agriculture. Besides their arduous daily work, the Dao people here are proud of their rich folk culture, such as the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, the Forest Worship Ceremony, the Harvest Prayer Ceremony...; one of the mysterious rituals with its own unique character is the "Fire Dance" ceremony.
According to Lu A Nghi, the head of Si Thau Chai village, this year's "Fire Dance" ceremony is planned to be held in Si Thau Chai village, a community tourism village in Ho Thau commune. The Dao community in Si Thau Chai has chosen Tan A Diu as the master of ceremonies this year. According to the Dao people, Tan A Diu is a respected and highly skilled master who has presided over many important rituals of the Dao people in Ho Thau.
The shaman stands before the altar, preparing offerings to present to the "Fire God."
Teacher Tan A Diu shared that this year's "Fire Dance" ceremony will be simpler than the traditional ritual, ensuring economy and preventing waste while still preserving the ancient culture. The "Fire Dance" ceremony usually takes place at the end of the year, after the harvest season is over, starting from the 10th lunar month until the end of the 1st lunar month of the following year. According to custom, the "Fire Dance" ceremony is chosen by a clan, specifically a prominent clan that actively participates in community activities and has many exemplary individuals in learning and production. The "Fire Dance" ceremony takes place in a spacious area, usually in the center of the village.
This year, seven healthy and virtuous young men will be selected to participate in the "Fire Dance" ceremony. This is not only a source of pride for the families whose sons are chosen, but also an honor for the clans whose members participate. Lu A Man, 20 years old, from Si Thau Chai village, said: "I'm striving to be chosen by the village this year to participate in the 'Fire Dance' ceremony. Since I was little, my grandparents have taught me that a Dao man must know how to dance the fire. Dancing the fire increases strength and endurance to overcome the harshness of nature. When one overcomes fire, one becomes more intelligent and wise in life..."
Dao ethnic men from Ho Thau commune demonstrate their traditional "fire bathing" skills.
Mr. Phan A Xao, from Chu Lin village, who has many years of experience practicing the "Fire Dance" ceremony, said: The "Fire Dance" ceremony begins at dusk, before sunset. At that time, the chief shaman invites the gods to attend, hoping to bestow strength upon the participants. Once the fire is burning and the shaman's invitation is accepted, the young men begin to dance, continuing until the fire is extinguished and the embers are gone. A remarkable point is that although they jump into the blazing fire barefoot, with glowing embers, the young men are "bathed" in flames, yet none suffer burns or blisters. They seem to be playing with fire without any burning sensation or fear. Amidst the cheers and applause of the spectators, the young men seem to be infused with an extraordinary source of strength.
The pride of the Dao Ho Thau men when dancing with fire.
There is a customary rule that requires the Dao people of Ho Thau to participate in this sacred ritual: The men chosen for the fire-jumping ceremony must be pure-hearted and morally upright, so that when they jump into the fire, they will be protected and safe by the spirits. The Dao Dau Bang people of Ho Thau believe that participating in the "Fire Jumping" ceremony requires faith to overcome the challenges. When jumping into the fire, they see gods surrounding them, helping them overcome dangers to survive and make a living; among them, the supreme god is the "Fire God," and fire brings good fortune and prosperity to the village. A person can participate in the fire jump multiple times, thereby demonstrating their strength, skill, and agility. The fire jump is only for men, affirming the strength of Dao men that no obstacle is insurmountable.
After the fire dies down, the shaman gathers the young men behind him to conclude the ceremony. They bow, thanking the gods for joining the villagers in their festivities and praying for prosperity, a bountiful harvest, and good health for the people. At the end of the ceremony, the shaman must break the ritual to return the young men to their original state. Legend says that if the shaman fails to break the ritual and send the young men home, they will want to jump into any fire they encounter.
Whenever they have free time from farming, Dao women in Ho Thau pass on their handicraft skills to the next generation.
Despite enduring the ups and downs of history, the "Fire Dance" ceremony remains a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual activity for the Dao people of Ho Thau, serving as a unifying force within their community. Through this ceremony, they express their desire to demonstrate their strength in conquering nature and mastering their own lives in the highlands of Northwest Vietnam.Ha Minh Hung/Ethnic Minority Newspaper
Source: https://baophutho.vn/than-lua-mang-suc-khoe-cho-cong-dong-nguoi-dao-213011.htm
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