Unique worshiping paintings of Dao people

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Unique worshiping paintings of Dao people

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Worshipping paintings is one of the unique cultural values that plays an important role in the spiritual life of Dao ethnic minority people, especially in New Year. Dao worshipping paintings manifest the early man's conception of the universe, the origin history, as well as the relationship between humankind and the universe, the gods and the aspirations in life.

Teaching the art of making worshipping paintings to the youth

In the Dao people's concept, gods have unparalleled power, patronising human life. Dao people worship Ban Vuong (the God giving birth to the Dao people), their ancestors and other gods, with a hope for a prosperous and happy life.

Hoang Huu Dinh, an artisan from Ngoi Cu village, Yen Thanh commune of Yen Binh district, said that worshipping paintings show Dao people’s thinking about the universe, their philosophy, and their thoughts of the relationship between the people and things. In their culture, three gods with utmost power are Ngoc Thanh, who manage the sky; Thuong Thanh, who manages the Earth; and Thai Thanh, who operates the Hell.

The paintings are often hung on houses' walls. Their meanings are explained by those who know to those who do not. This has created a widespread effect in the education of the community, raising their awareness of life and universe as well as the close ties between human and things.

Ông Hoàng Hữu Định vẽ bộ tranh thờ treo trong Lễ Cấp sắc của người Dao.

Painter Hoang Huu Dinh making a painting for the "Cap Sac” (maturity) rituals of Dao people

In their rituals, Dao people always use many worshipping paintings, with particular kinds used for particular ceremonies. Each set of paintings carries their own meaning with unique characteristics. The most popular one is the set of "Tam Thanh dai duong” consisting of 12 large paintings drawing 120 soldiers, and four small paintings depicting the Four Palaces.

In order to make a good worshipping painting, painters must successfully depict the spirit of the painting, while being very meticulous in each stage, such as choosing and mixing colours to ensure balance and harmony. At the same time, they must be talented and patient to ensure the majesty of the gods in each painting.

Since ancient times, the Dao people have always prayed for blessings to people and sent their wishes to the gods through worshiping paintings which are associated with the life of each Dao person, from his birth to his death and handed down from generation to generation, becoming a unique identity of the Dao people.

Vu Dong

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