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)
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.