The Cap Sac ceremony, called “Lap Tinh” in Dao language, is a form of folk cultural activity with very unique content describing the process of migration, settlement as well as the process of fighting and conquering supernatural forces to gain a prosperous and happy life. Through many centuries and the ups and downs of history, the Cap Sac ceremony still exists in the Dao community as an indispensable spiritual food for the people. The Cap Sac ceremony is an important ceremony to recognize the physical and spiritual maturity of Dao men. The Dao people in general attach great importance to the Cap Sac ceremony, regardless of any man from birth must perform the Cap Sac ceremony, otherwise, no matter how old he is, he is still considered a child. After receiving the Cap Sac ceremony, he is qualified to perform the worship ceremony and communicate with the gods.
Dear, let's learn about this ritual with Vietnam.vn through the photo series "The 12-Lamp Cap Sac Ceremony of the Dao People" by author: Do Truong Vinh to understand more about the Cap Sac ceremony, which not only shows the unique cultural features of the Dao people, but also shows human morality, guiding people towards goodness, towards their roots and ancestors. All Dao men wish to be granted a high level of ordination and rank. The Cap Sac ceremony has many levels, the first level they are granted 3 lamps and 36 soldiers; the second level is granted 7 lamps and 72 soldiers; the third level is granted 12 lamps and 120 soldiers. Those who are granted a first level must continue to learn and cultivate themselves to be granted a second level and strive to be granted a higher level. The higher the rank, the greater the honor of the family and clan that all Dao men aspire to. The photo series was sent by the author to participate in the Photo and Video Contest "Happy Vietnam", organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications.
The Dao believe that the ordination ceremony affirms spiritual maturity, the more lamps, the more soldiers protecting, this is more important than maturity in terms of age. Mr. Chao Y Sai, Head of the Chao family in Van Ho village, Phin Ngan commune said: "After completing the ordination ceremony with 12 lamps, you can bring 120 soldiers. Later, when you are old and no longer of age, you can still bring the same number of soldiers, this will be an advantage because the more soldiers, the more honor."
Although it is not mandatory, the general mentality of Dao men is that everyone wants to be ordained at least once in their life. The average cost for each ordaining is about 10 million VND/person, and those who do not have enough money can convert it into labor for the ritual.
The 12-lamp initiation ceremony requires the help of the most skilled shamans in the Dao community. For example, the ceremony in Phin Ngan this time had 14 shamans, all of them male, including shamans from Lai Chau and Ha Giang. In addition, there were 3 elderly women who helped cook the offerings and supported the wives with rituals and costumes. 
The process of ordination also involves many steps such as welcoming a master, reporting to ancestors, hanging paintings, wrapping rice, inviting gods, inviting the Jade Emperor, setting up lamps, and granting permission. Each step in the 12-lamp ordination is even more complicated. In particular, Dao men who are ordinationed, in addition to marking their maturity, also have the opportunity to become masters.
Another special thing in the Dao people's ordination ceremony is abstinence. Before the ceremony, couples must keep themselves clean both mentally and physically, not have sex, not have extramarital thoughts, not swear, not argue...; during the ordination ceremony, they only eat vegetarian food to show respect to their ancestors and gods. The prayers, chants and music in the Dao people's ordination ceremony reflect the desire for a prosperous life, expressing concepts of morality, ethics, respect for parents, love between husband and wife and how to treat others. In 2024, the Photo and Video Contest "Happy Vietnam" continues to be organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications in coordination with the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists on the website https://happy.vietnam.vn is open to all Vietnamese citizens and foreigners aged 15 and over. The contest aims to honor individuals and groups with positive information products, making practical contributions to the propaganda and promotion of a beautiful image of Vietnam to the world. Thereby helping people in the country, compatriots abroad and international friends access authentic images of the country, Vietnamese people, Vietnam's achievements in ensuring human rights, towards a happy Vietnam. Each contest category (photo and video) has the following prizes and prize values: - 01 Gold Medal: 70,000,000 VND - 02 Silver Medals: 20,000,000 VND - 03 Bronze Medals: 10,000,000 VND - 10 Encouragement Prizes: 5,000,000 VND - 01 most voted work: 5,000,000 VND The winning authors will be invited by the Organizing Committee to attend the Award Ceremony and Award Ceremony and Certificate on live television of Vietnam Television.
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