Wind Abstinence Custom - A unique spiritual cultural feature of the Dao Thanh Phan people in Quang Ninh

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 will not be able to enter. Therefore, the whole family will leave the house early in the morning, so that when the wind god arrives, he will sweep away the risks and worries of the old year, and at the same time bring good things, prosperity and luck to the homeowner.

Dao Thanh Phan girls prepare to go to the Khieng Gio festival in bright red traditional costumes.

The Dao people believe that on this day, one should not start or do any work, from farming to building a house, as bad things can happen.

That's why, on the festival day, the whole village invites each other to "mi seng phai hay dao", which in Dao means "going to the market on the fourth of April".

The market in the border area is bright red with the Dao people's dresses, mixed with the San Chi people's green and the Tay people's indigo.

The most crowded time is when everyone, every family participates in a series of art competitions and folk games such as tug of war, stick pushing, spinning top, pounding rice cake...

Sticky rice cakes, a symbol of abundance and unity in the Wind Abstinence Festival.

Exciting atmosphere at the tug of war competition between villages during the festival.

Mr. Duong Phuc Thoan, Khe Tien village, Dong Van commune, proudly shared: “Although the Wind Abstinence Festival only takes place once a year, it is a very sacred and anticipated occasion. This is an opportunity for generations, especially Dao youth, to meet, make friends, sing love songs, and respond with traditional melodies…”

Stick pushing competition, a sport that demonstrates the strength and dexterity of Dao youth.

Not only attracting local people, the Wind Abstinence Festival also attracts many tourists from all over the world and international friends. They come not only to immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere, but also to learn about a unique custom associated with the spiritual life of the highlands.

In particular, this year, the festival is even more meaningful when the "Wind Abstinence Custom of the Dao people in Dong Van commune" was honored to be included in the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

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

In addition to art activities and folk games, visitors can also admire the sophistication in embroidery and weaving techniques of traditional costumes of the Dao people.

The skillful hands of the young women vividly recreate a part of cultural life that has been deeply ingrained in the subconscious of the people.

Dao Thanh Phan girl carefully sews each stitch in the pattern embroidery competition.

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

This year’s Wind Abstinence Festival takes place from April 30 to May 4, with many unique cultural, sports and tourism activities. This is considered the opening event for the 2025 summer tourist season, contributing to making Binh Lieu gradually become 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