According to customs, the Lap Tinh or Cap Sac ceremony of the Dao Tien ethnic people marks the end of a boy's childhood and gives him a new name. After the ceremony, the boys are recognized to be mature by their community.
The Lap Tinh ceremony is held for only Dao Tien boys who are at the age of at least 10. This year, Trieu Van Hanh in Suoi Khem Hamlet, Phieng Luong Commune, Moc Chau District, Son La Province held a Lap Tinh ceremony for his son, Trieu Van Long.
For the Dao Tien people, it is the most important ceremony in the life of a man. Hanh said that his family had to prepare for the ceremony for a long time. Pigs, chickens and rice must be ready in his house for treating the villagers who help to organize and witness the ceremony. During the ceremony that took place during three days and nights, Long had to face challenges with the attendance of his parents, villagers, gods and ancestors of the Dao Tien people. Long was taught many important things by the shamans, his parents and villagers and he adopted their ethnic traditions and moral standards. Furthermore, he was also given a new name to “talk” with gods and his ancestors.
Most sacred of the Lap Tinh Ceremony was the rite of enlightening the body and spirit that is held from 2am to 4am. During the rite, the villagers taught Long how to go into the forest, cultivate the terraced fields, build houses and get married. They also presented him with important tools, including a knife, a hoe and a plough, rice and money that are necessary for a mature man. Simultaneously, the shamans stood around and used candles to light the body of Long with the aim of leading the moral standards of the Dao Tien people into his soul. After the rite, Long was given a new name: Trieu Van Xien.
With this new name, Long was recognized to be mature by the gods, ancestors and villagers and he can get married, build his own house and take responsibility for the common tasks of the Dao Tien community in Suoi Kem Hamlet.
Today in Moc Chau, there are some men, aged about 70 with many children and grandchildren, who still have to hold the Lap Tinh ceremony because when they were young their families were too poor to organize the ceremony.
The Lap Tinh ceremony has been preserved and has played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Dao Tien people thanks to its humanitarian values that drive people to do the good.
 The patriarch of Phieng Luong Hamlet looks up good days to hold Lap Tinh ceremony for the children in the hamlet.  Trieu Van Long at the Lap Tinh ceremony.  Shamans carry out the rite of enlightening the body and spirit for Trieu Van Long.  Some offerings at the Lap Tinh ceremony. |
For the Dao Tien people, it is the most important ceremony in the life of a man. Hanh said that his family had to prepare for the ceremony for a long time. Pigs, chickens and rice must be ready in his house for treating the villagers who help to organize and witness the ceremony. During the ceremony that took place during three days and nights, Long had to face challenges with the attendance of his parents, villagers, gods and ancestors of the Dao Tien people. Long was taught many important things by the shamans, his parents and villagers and he adopted their ethnic traditions and moral standards. Furthermore, he was also given a new name to “talk” with gods and his ancestors.
Most sacred of the Lap Tinh Ceremony was the rite of enlightening the body and spirit that is held from 2am to 4am. During the rite, the villagers taught Long how to go into the forest, cultivate the terraced fields, build houses and get married. They also presented him with important tools, including a knife, a hoe and a plough, rice and money that are necessary for a mature man. Simultaneously, the shamans stood around and used candles to light the body of Long with the aim of leading the moral standards of the Dao Tien people into his soul. After the rite, Long was given a new name: Trieu Van Xien.
 The rite of inviting the ancestors and genies of the Dao Tien people to attend the ceremony.  Trieu Van Long at the rite of presenting himself to the gods and ancestors of the Dao Tien people.  The shaman gives a horn, the symbol of a man's power, and entrusts Trieu Van Long with the responsibility of protecting his hamlet.  A shaman makes careful recommendations on behavior to Trieu Van Long.  The rite of transmitting fire with the aim of eliminating bad luck in Trieu Van Long's life.  The rite of wishing Trieu Van Long well.  Villagers present Trieu Van Long with some gifts, including rice and coins. |
Today in Moc Chau, there are some men, aged about 70 with many children and grandchildren, who still have to hold the Lap Tinh ceremony because when they were young their families were too poor to organize the ceremony.
The Lap Tinh ceremony has been preserved and has played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Dao Tien people thanks to its humanitarian values that drive people to do the good.
By Thong Thien
