Test of faith: The fire-jumping ritual is performed by Pa Then men with good morals. — Vietnam News/ANN
For the Pa Then ethnic minority living in the mountainous province of Tuyen Quang, the “nhay lua” (fire jumping) ritual is one of their most significant traditional ceremonies.
Every year, on the 16th day of the first lunar month, Pa Then people organise the ritual to give thanks to God for a good year of bumper crops as well as a prosperous and healthy life.
According to the Pa Then people’s concept, fire is considered as a supreme god, that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
They also believe that the fire is a means of avoiding demons and disease.
The ritual includes a prayer ceremony with a number of shamans worshipping the Fire God for luck, happiness, health, and peace.
Young men will then jump over a coal fire without any fear and come away unscathed. They also kick up the coal pile to startle those watching. Sometimes, they dig up live coals with their hands or put a live coal in their mouth.
The fire jumping is only for people who are strong, skilled, and agile. Those who are selected to participate in the fire jumping must also have good morals.
The festival is not only a unique cultural activity but also a wild and mysterious practice of the Pa Then people.
In 2012, the festival was recognised as the national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The recognition aims to preserve and promote the unique festival that expresses strongly the rich ethnic culture. — Vietnam News/ANN
