“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.
![]() A welcoming ceremony for the sorcerer who will host the ritual. ![]() Dao ethnic men play music to welcome the sorcerer. ![]() The sorcerer prepares necessary documents for the ritual. Worshipping paintings are inevitable in any maturity rituals of Dao ethnic group. ![]() The corner where Dao ethnic people set up their family's major altar. ![]() An area reserved for Dao boys to be acknowledged as mature. ![]() The sorcerer conducts a rite to inform the ancestors of the ceremony.
![]() A wedding ceremony is collectively held for couples receiving "le cap sac". ![]() Dao ethnic women in colourful costumes during the ritual. ![]() Dao ethnic women conduct a small ritual before having meal. ![]() A space reserved for Dao women taking part in the ritual. ![]() Having vegan food during the ritual ![]() Shamans conduct a ritual dedicated to the Jade Emperor at a twelve-lamp "le cap sac" or granting maturity ritual. ![]() Yin and Yang wooden bars, inevitable tools of any shamans during the ritual.
![]() The ritual can also be held for those having died who are symbolised by small bamboo dummies written with their names and birth dates. ![]() On the last day of the ritual, all couples gather outdoor waiting for their acknowledgement by the shaman. ![]() ![]() Dao women in bride costumes waiting for their acknowledgement. ![]() Mother and daughter are both waiting for their acknowledgement. |
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