Within the framework of the 2026 Dai Phan Festival of the San Diu ethnic people, taking place from January 30 to February 1, 2026 at the San Diu Ethnic Cultural House, Van Don special zone (Quang Ninh), the knife climbing ritual continues to be a special highlight, attracting the attention of a large number of people and tourists.
The Dai Phan festival has a special meaning in the spiritual life of the San Diu people, is a major festival praying for favorable weather, bumper crops, and a prosperous and happy life.
In the rituals of the festival, climbing the knife is a sacred, mysterious and highly challenging ritual.
Before performing, artisans perform the ritual, ask for permission from the gods and make orders, praying for protection so that the ritual takes place safely and smoothly.
According to custom, the two ladder knives used in the ritual symbolize the rice ear shape. Each knife has 12 blades firmly tied to the body in a ladder form.
Each blade symbolizes 12 levels of heaven, 12 hardships that people must overcome in life.
The San Diu people believe that the ladder symbolizes rice ears, and the knife symbolizes rice grains - symbolizing agricultural production and proliferation and fullness.
Artisans perform the knife climbing ritual barefoot, steadily climbing the steps to "go to heaven" to present to the Jade Emperor the wishes of the villagers for health, peace, and good harvests.
When reaching the highest level, artisans splash rice and paddy down below for people to receive, symbolizing the blessings of heaven and earth, praying for favorable weather and a prosperous life.
According to Doctor of Culture Nguyen Thi Thuy Anh (Hai Phong City), the knife climbing ritual not only shows the faith, courage and spiritual strength of humans in front of nature, but also reflects the close relationship between humans and gods and wet rice agricultural production.
Along with other rituals such as erecting the Thi Phan tree, Hanh quang dance, wading through coal, and knife climbing rituals, contributing to creating a solemn festival space, rich in traditional cultural identity.
The organization of the Dai Phan Festival not only meets the religious needs of the San Diu ethnic people, but also contributes to preserving intangible cultural heritage, promoting the cultural image of ethnic groups in Van Don special zone in particular, Quang Ninh province in general to tourists inside and outside the province.
