Watching the coming of age ceremony
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Print previewVietNamNet Bridge – For men of Dao ethnic minority group, they can only get married and become a real head of family after “le cap sac” which recognizes their maturity and coming of age.
Innocent smiles of ethnic minority kids
Beloved traditional Vietnamese villages
Playing football in terraced fields
Le cap sac takes place over nine days and kids have to overcome many challenges to be recognized as mature men. After that, they will have 13 new fathers, who are 13 shamans who follow them over the nine days of challenges. The newly certified men will have a new name as they are now recognized by their ancestors and gods.
VietNamNet witnessed a le cap sac:
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The altar in Le cap sac is decorated with weapons including guns and knives. |
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Within the nine-day ceremony, boys at the age of 13-15 are under strict observation of shamans. |
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This ritual calls Dao ancestors back to witness the ceremony. |
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Burning a petition to invite deities back. |
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A dance by shamans. |
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Coins are hung on the heads of children in order to wish for prosperity. |
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Kids are brought to Ma Dai platform. Shamans make spells on the road to Ma Dai to abolish bad lucks on the life of the children. |
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Shamans make spells around Ma Dai and instruct children how to behave. |
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While climbing up to Ma Dai, shamans teach kids how to climb up mountains and adventure the forest. |
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Shamans transfer braveness to the kids before they face the last challenge. |
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Jumping from Ma Dai is the last and the most important challenge that the young men have to overcome to be recognized as a real man. |
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After this ritual, children will become mature men and they can have their own families. |
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