Dao maturity rite recognised as intangible cultural heritage
The maturity ritual (Cap Sac) of the Dao ethnic minority group in northern Thai Nguyen province was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage at a ceremony on March 29.
Thai Nguyen (VNA)𝕴 – The maturity ritual (Cap Sac) of the Dao ethnic minority group in northern Thai Nguyen province was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage at a ceremony on March 29.
According to the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the ritual is indispensable to acknowledge the maturity of a Dao man. All Dao men must go through the ritual in order to be recognised by the community as mature enough to undertake communal positions.
The “Cap Sac” ritual falls on the lunar calendar’s Eleventh, Twelfth and First months each year.
The recognition of the rite as a national intangible cultural heritage reflects the ethnic group’s pride, as well as efforts by local authorities to preserve the nation’s heritage.
At the ceremony, participants had a chance to enjoy the major stages of a “Cap Sac” rite, as well as Dao folk music and dances.-VNA
It is a custom of the Dao Tien ethnic group in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang that married men will be recognised as mature by the community following the “Cap Sac” ceremony, whereby he will be given a new name.
The Dao ethnic community in the northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang are struggling to maintain their cultural traditions against the influence of modern life.
A maturity ritual (Cap Sac) of the Red Dao ethnic community took place as a joyful New Year activity in Sapa district in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai on February 18.
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Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
