The custom of avoiding wind - A unique spiritual and cultural feature of the Dao Thanh Phan people in Quang Ninh.

NDO - Every year on the 4th day of the 4th lunar month, the Thanh Phan Dao village in Dong Van commune, Binh Lieu district, Quang Ninh province, is bustling with the colors of the Kieng Gio festival, a folk ritual rich in cultural identity, reflecting the deep belief of the Dao people in the harmony between humans and nature. More than just a spiritual and cultural festival, the Kieng Gio festival is also a community gathering place where people of different ethnic groups meet, celebrate, and spread the spirit of unity.

According to the beliefs of the Dao Thanh Phan people, on the 4th day of the 4th lunar month, if there are people in the house, the wind god cannot enter. Therefore, the whole family will leave the house early in the morning, so that when the wind god arrives, it will sweep away the misfortunes and troubles of the old year, and at the same time bring good fortune, prosperity, and luck to the household.

Dao Thanh Phan, a young woman, prepares to attend the Kieng Gio festival in her vibrant red traditional attire.

The Dao people believe that on this day, one should not start or do any work, from farming to building a house, as it may bring misfortune.

Therefore, on the festival day, the whole village goes together to "mì sèng phẩy hêy dảo," which in the Dao language means "going to the market on the fourth day of the fourth month."

The market in this remote border region bursts with the vibrant red of the Dao people's dresses, interspersed with the green of the San Chi people's attire and the indigo of the Tay people's clothing.

The most lively part is when everyone, from every household, participates in a series of cultural performances and folk games such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, spinning tops, and pounding sticky rice cakes…

These rice cakes, symbols of abundance and togetherness, are a highlight of the Wind-Avoiding Festival.

The atmosphere was lively during the tug-of-war competition between villages and hamlets at the festival.

Mr. Duong Phuc Thoan, from Khe Tien village, Dong Van commune, proudly shared: “Although the Wind-Avoiding Festival only takes place once a year, it is a very sacred and eagerly awaited occasion. This is an opportunity for generations, especially Dao youth, to meet, make friends, sing love songs, and engage in call-and-response singing using traditional melodies…”

Stick pushing is a sport that showcases the strength and skill of Dao youth.

The Wind-Avoiding Festival not only attracts local people but also draws a large number of tourists from all over the country and even international friends. They come not only to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere but also to learn about a unique custom associated with the spiritual life of the highlands.

This year, in particular, the festival is even more meaningful as the "Wind-Avoiding Custom of the Dao People in Dong Van Commune" has been honored to be included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism .

Foreign tourists enthusiastically participate in cultural activities with local people at the festival.

In addition to artistic activities and folk games, visitors can also admire the exquisite craftsmanship in embroidery and weaving of traditional Dao costumes.

The skillful hands of the young women vividly recreate a part of the cultural life that is deeply ingrained in the people's consciousness.

Dao Thanh Phan, the girl, meticulously stitched each thread during the embroidery competition.

The Wind-Avoiding Festival is also an opportunity to promote, connect, and develop community-based cultural tourism. Mr. Tang Van Dao, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Van commune, shared: "The Wind-Avoiding custom is not only a spiritual ritual, but also a profound message about community cohesion. Being recognized as a national heritage is both an honor and a responsibility to continue preserving and promoting the precious traditions of our ancestors."

This year's Wind-Avoiding Festival takes place from April 30th to May 4th, featuring many unique cultural, sports, and tourism activities. This is considered the opening event for the 2025 summer tourism season, contributing to Bình Liêu's gradual transformation into an attractive cultural and ecological tourism destination in the Northeast region.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tuc-kieng-gio-net-van-hoa-tam-linh-dac-sac-cua-dong-bao-dao-thanh-phan-o-quang-ninh-post877129.html