“Cấp sắc”, which means “maturity ritual”, is a typical cultural feature of the Dao people. They believe an adult man who has not passed a “cap sac” ritual is not acknowledged as mature and is unqualified to practice and attend hamlet rituals and works.


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A welcoming ceremony for the sorcerer who will host the ritual.



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Dao ethnic men play music to welcome the sorcerer.




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The sorcerer prepares necessary documents for the ritual.




Worshipping paintings are inevitable in any maturity rituals of Dao ethnic group.




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The corner where Dao ethnic people set up their family's major altar.




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An area reserved for Dao boys to be acknowledged as mature.



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The sorcerer conducts a rite to inform the ancestors of the ceremony.




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A wedding ceremony is collectively held for couples receiving "le cap sac".




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Dao ethnic women in colourful costumes during the ritual.




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 Dao ethnic women conduct a small ritual before having meal.




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A space reserved for Dao women taking part in the ritual.




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Having vegan food during the ritual




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Shamans conduct a ritual dedicated to the Jade Emperor at a twelve-lamp "le cap sac" or granting maturity ritual.




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Yin and Yang wooden bars, inevitable tools of any shamans during the ritual.



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The ritual can also be held for those having died who are symbolised by small bamboo dummies written with their names and birth dates.




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On the last day of the ritual, all couples gather outdoor waiting for their acknowledgement by the shaman.




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Dao women in bride costumes waiting for their acknowledgement.




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Mother and daughter are both waiting for their acknowledgement.



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