“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.




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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