Fire jumping ritual - Mysterious dance of Pa Then ethnic minority
The Pa Then ethnic minority people live mainly in the two northern mountainous provinces of Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang. Though their number is small and they live in remote areas, the Pa Then people have maintained their culture, especially a fire jumping ritual.
The Pa Then ethnic minority people in Lam Binh district, Tuyen Quang province, prepare firewood early on to perform the fire jumping ritual. (Photo: VNA)
The fire jumping ritual is held every year after the harvest, aimed to pay respects to heaven, earth, and the gods for an abundant harvest. (Photo: VNA)
A tray of offerings for the ritual. (Photo: VNA)
The Pa Then ethnic minority people in Tuyen Quang dance on piles of red coals without being burned or injured. (Photo: VNA)
The fire jumping ritual of the Pa Then ethnic minority people in Hong Quang commune, Lam Binh district, Tuyen Quang province. (Photo: VNA)
In the following report, let’s join us to take a look at the fire dancing festival of Pa Then ethnic people in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang.
The Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ha Giang province, reenacted a traditional wedding of the Pa Then ethnic minority group on November 22 on the occasion of the 75th Vietnam Heritage Culture Day (November 23).
The Pa Then people are one of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam and primarily inhabit the northern provinces of Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang. Over many generations, the Pa Then people have formed and preserved a diverse and rich culture, most notably a tradition of brocade weaving. This unique cultural feature strongly reflects their spiritual lives and is also a great source of pride.