Strict taboos must be observed before, during, and after the ceremony
One of the most important rituals in the Coming-of-Age Ceremony is the granting of a spiritual name to the initiate. This new name, recorded during the ceremony, serves as their identity in the spiritual world, ensuring they can reunite with their ancestors in the afterlife. It is believed that the new name helps them communicate with the spiritual realm and receive blessings and protection from their forebears.
Strict taboos must be observed before, during, and after the ceremony. At least a week prior to the event, the initiate must adhere to several prohibitions: they must not take part in any act of killing, married couples must sleep separately, and only plain meals - without meat, fat, or rich flavors - are allowed. Additionally, the initiate must refrain from visiting the homes of those outside their clan, as this would be considered a violation of ancestral customs.
On the day of the ceremony, the initiate must wear a brand-new traditional outfit that has never been worn before. This attire is only to be put on when the spiritual master commences the ceremony. Afterward, the outfit must be preserved with great care and treated as a sacred relic, never lent to anyone. The Dao believe that if someone borrows the outfit and fails to respect its sanctity, it could bring spiritual contamination and violate the sacred principles of the ceremony. The wife of an initiate must also follow these taboos, including keeping her own ceremonial attire exclusively for important occasions such as traditional festivals. It is also the attire she will wear in the afterlife to reunite with her ancestors.
With its profound moral and cultural significance, the Coming-of-Age Ceremony is a vital rite for the Dao people. Its teachings and taboos, passed down through generations, ultimately guide individuals toward truth, virtue, and beauty.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
