Lễ cấp sắc (ordination rite) of the Dao people

Northwest, Dao, Tòng Sành (Bát Xát), Nậm Dạng (Văn Bàn), Lào Cai, Folk practice

When

The eleventh lunar month, the twelfth lunar month, the first lunar month; the three-lamp rite lasts one day and one night and must pass into the hour of the Rat

Where the offerings are set

At the home of the person receiving the rite, with worship paintings hung

Who makes the offering

The chief ritual master (Tầm sai) and two assistant ritual masters; the person receiving the rite is a married man

Offerings

Steps

1. The ritual masters and their helpers arrive two or three days in advance; everyone bathes and cleanses before entering the rite
2. The chief ritual master makes the announcement offering and invites the ancestors and deities; the two assistant masters hang the Đại Đường painting
3. The person requesting cấp sắc presents himself, with horn and drum, thanh la and não bạt
4. The rite of lighting the lamps and handing over the troops (granting spirit soldiers): three lamps 36 spirit soldiers, seven lamps 72, twelve lamps 120
5. The rite of crossing the bridge, giving the ritual name
6. The turtle dance ends the three-lamp rite

Things to avoid

• The husband and wife receiving the rite abstain from sharing a bed for one month before and three days after the rite
• Do not scold the children and grandchildren, do not use vulgar words

Northwest, Dao, Tam Đường, Lai Châu, Folk practice

When

Formerly held in spring and winter, done for each person individually, lasting 5 to 7 days

Who makes the offering

Three ritual masters; the person receiving the rite is a young boy

Offerings

Steps

1. Nine days of abstinence before the rite
2. The masters perform the rite in front of the Mà đài
3. Giving the ritual name, used only when performing the rite to report to the ancestors
4. The person receiving the rite falls from the Mà đài down onto the net, which is the final test
5. After the rite, the person receiving it takes the three masters as fathers; the masters teach Dao Nôm script and customary law

Things to avoid

• For nine days before the rite, do not kill any living being, not even a blade of grass or an ant
• Eating vegetarian, each day two bowls of rice with bland soup

Northeast, Dao, thôn Mào Phìn, xã Phương Tiến, Vị Xuyên, Hà Giang, Folk practice

When

Performed throughout the night

Who makes the offering

Three chief masters, three assistant masters, twelve helpers

Offerings

Steps

1. The Quá tăng rite, granting three lamps, 36 spirit soldiers
2. The masters take turns performing the ritual texts written in Nôm script
3. Lên đài, hạ đài (transformation of the body): the initiate sits on the platform, the master pushes him down onto the hammock held up by everyone
4. The master wraps the initiate tightly in a blanket

Northeast, Dao, xã Bằng Cả, Quảng Ninh, Folk practice

When

At the end of the year or the beginning of spring

Where the offerings are set

At home, before the ancestors' altar

Who makes the offering

The ritual masters; four cấp sắc singers

Steps

1. Notifying the villagers, inviting skilled masters and good singers
2. Thirteen ritual segments, mainly offering to ancestors, the Jade Emperor, Bàn Vương
3. The masters take turns dancing around the initiate to the sound of drums and gongs; the four women sit nearby singing cấp sắc
4. Conclusion: entering the house to offer thanks to ancestors and deities