A Dao legend says that after Long Khuyen Ho helped King Binh Vuong defeat invaders, the king rewarded him by allowing him to marry one of the princesses. Later he inherited the throne and took the name Ban Vuong. Ban Vuong had 12 children, who grew up to become the heads of 12 Dao clans.
Ban Vuong led a simple life. He taught his people how to grow rice and cotton and weave fabric. When Ban Vuong died, the villagers worshiped him at their ancestral altars along with the deities of rice, art, hunting, and agriculture.
Vi Thi Tuyen works in the Ba Che district cultural office: “Quang Ninh province is carrying out a project to preserve and promote the Dao culture. It includes preserving Ban Vuong temple in Ba Che district. Historical documents say the Dao originated in Son Hai hamlet in Ba Che district. The villagers have preserved all the traditional customs of the Dao.”
Worship of Ban Vuong of the Dao in Ba Che, Quang Ninh province. (photo: dulich Bache.com)
The Dao consider the worship of Ban Vuong vital to their fates, their clan, and their community.
At the worship of Ban Vuong, representatives of the 12 clans offer incense, flowers, and cereal products on Ban Vuong's altar. Villagers join community activities such as a tortoise dance, wrestling, and getting into a trance and dancing on fire.
Hoang Van Duc, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Son communal People’s Committee in Ba Che district, said: “Ban Vuong temple has three altars. The central altar is dedicated to Ban Vuong, the forefather of the Dao. The two side altars worship the top deities.”
Before attending a Ban Vuong ritual, villagers must eat vegetarian meals and married couples must abstain from sex.
The worship of Ban Vuong reminds people of their roots and invites the blessings of Ban Vuong and other ancestors. The annual worship connects the people and inspires them to honor traditional Dao values.
Source: vovworld.vn/Giàng Seo Pùa
