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The date for the Prestige Ceremony of the Dao people in Ha Giang is carefully chosen, as it holds great significance for young men, aged 12 to 30, and sometimes even older individuals. When the Prestige Ceremony takes place, it involves a maximum of 13 individuals, or if fewer, the number must be odd. The event is hosted at the ancestral head's house.

The Prestige Ceremony of the Dao people in Ha Giang is considered a cultural hallmark of the ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Here, there is a distinct charm and unique spirit of each ethnic group, with everything bearing the values of beautiful traditions. It is essential for every member of the community to preserve and pass down these values to future generations. The moral teachings are conveyed through solemn pledges made in the presence of ancestors and guardian deities, making the educational aspect highly valuable. According to tradition, those who have undergone the Prestige Ceremony are believed to possess virtue, moral character, an understanding of right and wrong in life, and a commitment to doing good, avoiding wrongdoing. Notably, they are recognized as descendants of the Ban Vương.

The Dao people in Ha Giang hold the belief that if a man has not undergone the Prestige Ceremony, regardless of his age or seniority, he is still considered a child because he has not received the prestigious teachings, has not been granted the Dao precepts, and does not possess a Dao name. On the other hand, young individuals who have undergone the Prestige Ceremony are seen as adults and are allowed to participate in significant activities within the village and family. They also assist the masters in rituals or take a lead role in worship ceremonies.

The Prestige Ceremony of the Dao people in Ha Giang is divided into several hierarchical levels. In the first level, the initiate is given 3 lanterns and 36 soldiers – a customary ritual in the Prestige Ceremony. Moving to the second level, an additional 7 lanterns and 72 soldiers are bestowed upon the individual. The final level involves receiving 12 lanterns and 120 soldiers. After completing all three levels, the young man is considered to have undergone the coming-of-age ceremony and is entitled to become a master who leads in worship ceremonies.

2.1 Preparations before the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao People in Ha Giang

Several months before the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao people in Ha Giang, the family of the individual about to undergo the prestige rites must bring ritual offerings to the master of ceremonies. They invite the master to determine auspicious dates and months and to discuss and plan the significant day with the extended family. Each relative of the initiate brings offerings such as wine and congratulatory money. Specific tasks are assigned to each family member, such as inviting neighbors, cooking, cleaning, and preparing the ceremonial attire for the master of ceremonies.

The initiate must abstain from activities such as singing, arguing, sharing a bed, engaging in vulgar talk, and avoiding close contact with women. During each prestige ceremony, it is essential to ensure the presence of all six masters of ceremonies, each assigned specific duties, and various rituals, both significant and minor, are meticulously performed.

2.2 Formal Entry into the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao People in Ha Giang

On the chosen day, the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao people in Ha Giang is organized and spans three consecutive days (recently, the duration has been reduced in some regions, with events lasting only 2 days and 1 night or even less). The ceremony involves various rituals and procedures. The masters of ceremonies cleanse their bodies and beat drums to invite ancestral spirits. They conduct an opening ceremony to announce the purpose of the event to the ancestors, seek the presence of ancestral spirits, and request divine blessings for the ceremony and the growth of the young individuals.

The masters of ceremonies perform rituals at the ancestral altar of the leading master to seek protection and assistance. At the venue of the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao people in Ha Giang, the masters of ceremonies display paintings of the Jade Emperor and other revered deities in Dao beliefs. They set up altars for the initiate's ancestors and the deities. During the ceremony, the masters of ceremonies read numerous incantations, perform traditional dances, and adhere to Dao customs as documented in the prestige-level books.

The initiate, and if married, his wife, must also perform ritual dances guided by the masters of ceremonies. The initiate sits cross-legged on the ground without moving, and his fingers intertwine with his toes for about an hour. After this time, the master gently pushes him, causing him to fall into a pre-prepared hammock, supported by 3-4 people.

While presenting in the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao people in Ha Giang, the host family must sacrifice a pig as an offering to the ancestral spirits. Subsequently, during the lantern-receiving ceremony, the individual who has undergone the prestige rites dresses modestly, sits in front of the altar holding a bamboo pole with a crossbeam and a hole for the master to light the lantern and place candles for the ceremony. The initiate is given Dao precepts, including ten prohibitions and ten prayers. The most crucial aspect of these ceremonies is the granting of a Dao name to the initiate, with the name recorded for ancestral remembrance upon their passing. The initiate uses a piece of cloth to receive rice from the master and biological father, observing and obligatorily dancing to the master's instructions.

The highlight of the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao People in Ha Giang is the nighttime celebration, the moment between the ritual and the festivity. After a busy day of ceremonies, in the evening, villagers gather at the host's home for lively festivities. Following the dinner, the masters of ceremonies continue their rituals until the next morning, combining ceremonial acts with sword dances and drumming. The sounds of bells and singing echo in a dynamic rhythm, alternating between lively and serene moments.

As the ceremonies conclude towards dawn, the masters of ceremonies perform a ritual dance, offering wine and ritual items, circling both outside and inside the house to express gratitude to the deities for the successful organization of the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao People in Ha Giang. This ceremony is a significant event, marking a pivotal moment in the life of the young individual, now recognized by the ancestors and the community as an adult, possessing a new Dao name for spiritual communication and being under the protection and guidance of the ancestors.

Although the Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao People in Ha Giang concludes with the ceremonies, it is not entirely over. On the lunar New Year's Day of the same year, the initiate must visit the master of ceremonies, bringing ritual papers, pork, and a chicken for a thanksgiving ceremony (known as the New Year's Day homage), completing the entire process. This reflects the sense of commitment, emphasizing the cultural values within the Dao community in Ha Giang.

The Prestige Ceremony Festival of the Dao People in Ha Giang holds significant educational value. It is one of the vital rituals among the Dao community. The young individuals undergoing the Prestige Ceremony pledge to become responsible citizens, contributing to the development of an advanced culture while preserving the unique identity of the Dao ethnic group.