The Hoa Binh provincial Museum on October 28 organised a programme to disseminate the value of Vanh village stone shelter special national relic site, in Yen Phu commune, Lac Son district, at Yen Phu Primary and Secondary School, drawing the participation of nearly 200 students, staff members and teachers of the school.
Delegates and
students watch photos on display at the programme.
The students were introduced to the origin of the name
"Hoa Binh Culture", Trai hamlet’s cave in Tan Lap commune, and Vanh
village’s stone shelter; and watched photos featuring the research,
archaeological process and cultural activities related to the relic sites in
Lac Son district.
Notably, the stone shelter shows the characteristics of a
large relic site in the core area of Hoa Binh Culture in Vietnam. This is
evidence of the origin of Hoa Binh Culture in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
It was recognised as a national archaeological site by the
Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and
Tourism) in 2003, and as a special national relic site by the Prime Minister in
July 2024.
The programme was a meaningful activity to raise awareness
and foster love for national culture and traditions among students. It was also
an opportunity for them to learn about and remember the historical values and
cultural beauty that have contributed to forming the identity of the homeland,
thereby joining hands to protect, preserve and promote traditional cultural
values.
Gongs hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Muong ethnic people in Hoa Binh province. More than musical instruments, they are an indispensable part of community rituals and collective memory, echoing through generations as a spiritual thread linking the past, present, and future.
Preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Muong ethnic group has become an urgent task in the current context, as many traditional values face the risk of fading away. This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.
The Muong ethnic culture, deeply rooted in Vietnam’s mountainous north, continues to be preserved and revitalised by dedicated individuals and communities determined to safeguard their ancestral identity.
The Muong group is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in Hoa Binh province. The Muong people in Hoa Binh boast a rich and diverse cultural treasure that reflects the unique identity of this ethnic group. Accounting for over 63% of the province's population, they have created and preserved numerous distinctive cultural values, contributing to their unique identity. Their cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, at the heart of their national identity, and represents a vibrant spiritual life that must be preserved and promoted in today’s modern world.
For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.
Muong calendar, known as sach doi, is an ancient folk knowledge system developed through observations of the movement of the pleiades star. This unique calendar consists of 12 bamboo sticks, each representing a lunar month. Specific days within each month are marked with distinct symbols, guiding locals in determining auspicious and inauspicious days for important activities.
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