Pounding Pestles – A Sacred Folk Game of the Red Dao People

Among the Red Dao community of Hoang Su Phi, “Pounding Pestles” is a fascinating traditional folk game deeply tied to spiritual and communal life. It is more than a playful competition — it carries wishes for good fortune, health, and harmony, reflecting the Dao people’s beliefs and cultural essence that have endured through generations.

Hoang Su Phi is famed not only for its breathtaking terraced rice fields but also for its vibrant cultural identity. Alongside sacred ceremonies such as the Ban Vuong Worship, Mo Dong Tru Forest God Ceremony, Fire Dance, and Cap Sac (Coming-of-Age) ritual, the Pounding Pestles game embodies the Dao’s mystical worldview and collective spirit.

The game symbolizes strength, unity, and balance. It typically involves two participants who must synchronize their movements with precision. Both bend forward, placing a long wooden pestle upright between their shoulders and gripping the lower section tightly. A ritual master, acting as the spiritual leader, performs a blessing by holding the top of the pestle and circling the players to “awaken” its power. Suddenly, the pestle seems to gain a mysterious energy — the two players push and balance with all their strength, trying to tilt it toward each other without letting it fall. Others may join, gripping the pestle and adding their energy, turning the scene into a dynamic, rhythmic display of strength and cooperation.

According to Dao belief, if the bottom of the pestle touches the ground, that team wins. Yet, in a curious twist, even when many people participate, it rarely happens — as if an invisible spiritual force keeps the pestle suspended until the leader ends the game.

At Panhou Retreat, visitors can witness or even take part in this ancient tradition during cultural festivals. The Pounding Pestles game is not only a joyful communal activity but also a bridge between the modern traveler and the living heritage of the Dao people. Through each movement and chant, participants feel the vibrant pulse of Dao culture — a blend of strength, faith, and connection that continues to thrive amid the mountains of Hoang Su Phi.