Introduction to the Put Tong Ritual
Put Tong, also known as Tet Nhay (Jumping Tet), is a central ritual in the spiritual life of the Red Dao people in Lao Cai. In the Dao language, "Put" means to jump and "Tong" means together, so Put Tong both describes the main performance form of the ritual and refers to a worship ceremony to honor the souls of ancestors. It is not merely a festive occasion but a bond connecting the visible and invisible worlds, between the living and past generations.
This ritual was included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2013, affirming its special cultural, historical, and scientific value within the heritage of Vietnam's ethnic minority communities.
Origins and Legends of the Ritual's Birth
The formation of Put Tong is linked to legends about the arduous migration journey of the Dao people. There are various versions, but all reflect the community's desire for survival and gratitude toward ancestors.
Legend of Preserving Ancestral Souls
One legend tells that during the migration into Vietnam due to drought, crop failure, and unrest, different groups had their own ways to protect ancestral souls. The Dao and Hmong kept ancestral souls in their arms, while the Giay kept them in their shirt flaps. When crossing a river, the Giay cut off their shirt flaps and left their ancestors behind. In contrast, the Dao and Hmong could not cut off their arms to abandon their ancestors. Therefore, after arriving at the new land, they set up altars with a small statue and a sword for worship.
Since then, every new year, the Dao people hold Put Tong with the meaning of "bathing" and cleansing the ancestors (the statue and sword), preparing for the new year. This is an occasion to express gratitude to previous generations and to pray for a good, prosperous new year for the whole lineage.
Legend of the Sea Voyage and the Promise to Ban Vuong
Another story recounts the sea migration of 12 Dao clans to Vietnam. After months adrift without reaching shore, the boat suddenly encountered a great storm with towering waves as if to sink everything. In dire straits, they prayed to Ban Vuong and their ancestors, promising that if they safely reached land, they would hold a thanksgiving ceremony. The prayer was answered, and since then the Dao have performed Put Tong to fulfill that promise.
This ritual carries multiple layers of meaning: remembering Ban Vuong's lifesaving grace in the past, training spirit soldiers to protect the family and clan, and seeking protection so that all members stay healthy and prosper in their work.
Time, Location, and Preparations
Time of Organization
Red Dao people hold Put Tong in the early days of the new year according to the lunar calendar. The specific date is decided by the clan head based on customs and usually avoiding the clan's taboo days. This shows flexibility but also seriousness in maintaining traditional conventions.
Location and Role of the Clan Head
The ritual is usually held at the house of the clan head among Red Dao lineages. As the most important ritual in ancestral worship, preparations are made well in advance with care and seriousness. The clan head is the main organizer, including offerings and necessary props.
Offerings and Props
Main offerings include chicken, wine, rice, cakes, and other local products. Ritual equipment is carefully prepared, including worship paintings, talisman swords, priest costumes, flags, and various weapons for dances and ceremonies.
Detailed Process of the 11-Step Ritual
Put Tong consists of 11 continuous ritual steps. A special feature is that most worship ceremonies are performed through jumping and dancing movements. The dances are linked throughout the process, and prayers are almost "wrapped" into each dance step.
During the dance, participants constantly praise deities. Dance is used as a way to please the deities and express deep gratitude to ancestors and gods. Although it is a dance before deities, the Red Dao people perform with guidance from the "Ancestral Spirit" and "Master Spirit" in each step.
A notable feature is that dancing in Put Tong is usually performed only by men. This reflects the patriarchal social and family structure of the Red Dao. Priests and dance masters also set secret rules to protect the exclusive role of men in these important rituals.
Role of Music and Language
Instruments and Music
Music is an indispensable artistic element in Put Tong. Instruments include drums, gongs, and cymbals. The music does not follow a strict composition or pattern. Sometimes it is just rapid drumbeats without a specific rhythm, expressing different emotional states depending on the ritual's progression. This freedom creates a natural harmony between music and dance, making the Put Tong space lively and sacred.
Language and Incantations
The language in Put Tong mainly consists of the priest's murmuring incantations mixed with loud shouts from dancers. The combination of rising and falling sounds, drumbeats, and incantations creates a vibrant yet mysterious, sacred atmosphere, helping participants feel the presence of the spiritual world.
Symbolic Meaning and Deep Cultural Value
Bridge Between Two Worlds
Put Tong is seen as a link between the yin and yang realms, between the living and the dead. It is a ritual to praise ancestors and deities to seek their care and protection. Through the ritual, Red Dao people express reverence and gratitude to the deceased and reinforce their belief that they are always supported.
Psychological and Social Impact
Practicing Put Tong brings great spiritual encouragement to the living, especially in times of loss and grief. When participating in the sacred space of the ritual, each individual finds comfort and faith in life with the support of the departed. This helps them overcome difficulties and strengthens community and clan bonds.
A Treasure of Folk Performing Arts
Put Tong integrates diverse folk performing arts, including dance, music, and language. Among these, dances are the dominant element creating the ritual's unique identity. Dance is not just entertainment but a means of communication between mortals and deities, guiding Red Dao people back to their strength, faith, and ethnic traditions.
Practice and Preservation in the Modern Context
The Put Tong ritual is currently practiced actively and regularly by the Red Dao community. Its recognition as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage has raised awareness of the ritual's value and enabled the community to implement more effective protection measures. Community consensus in nomination and commitment to protection is the most important factor, ensuring this cultural beauty is preserved for future generations.
Put Tong is not just a ritual but a living museum of the history, beliefs, and art of the Red Dao people, worthy of respect and dissemination in Vietnam's diverse cultural life.
