Red Dao ethnic group in Cao Bang province has a rich cultural tradition, including the Put Tong ceremony (fire dancing), one of the most sacred and important rituals of shamans with many unique rituals.
According to the Red Dao language, "Put Tong" (fire dance ceremony) means an ecstatic dance, showing intermingle between realms of yin and yang in tune with traditional trumpet for the purpose of welcoming ancestors and gods. Only after performing three "Put tong" ceremonies, a shaman will be handed out enough professional skills in order to perform other “Put Tong” ceremonies.
The Red Dao community considers that after taking part in “Put Tong” ceremony, the shaman will be able to communicate with gods and ancestors.
The ceremony is usually held on the first day of the lunar year and the 15th of the first lunar month in houses of shamans.
To perform the ceremony, offerings including chicken, wine, rice, cakes, worship paintings, swords, amulets, clothes, flags, and weapons must be carefully prepared.
The “Put Tong” ceremony consists of many steps and uses dancing movements instead of worshiping rituals. During the ceremony, a selected person will sit next to the shaman until gods allow him to rush into the red fire.
When the fire went out, the shaman will guide and lead the fire dancing and make sound with bamboo sticks for invoking the spirit and courage of selected people.
After performing fire dance for 30 minutes, the shaman will thank and inform ancestors and gods about the person who completed the fire dancing ritual and will be able to communicate with gods as well as perform “Put Tong” ceremony for others.
PH (baocaobang.vn)
