The Hoa Binh provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the People’s Committee of Hoa Binh city opened a mascot exhibition at Hoa Binh Square on January 22, an activity in celebration of the Year of the Snake.
The opening ceremony was attended by Nguyen Phi Long,
alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial
Party Committee; Bui Duc Hinh, Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial
Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee; along with
other members of the provincial Party Committee’s Standing Board, officials of
some departments and localities, representatives of the constructor and
sponsor, and local residents.
Nguyen Phi Long, alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary
of the provincial Party Committee; Bui Duc Hinh, Standing Deputy Secretary of
the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s
Committee; and other delegates cut the ribbon to open the mascot exhibition.
The exhibition aims to create a cheerful
atmosphere on the threshold of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) and become
a cultural and tourist attraction drawing visitors to the locality during the
Tet holiday. It is also intended to introduce the province’s outstanding
socio-economic achievements in 2024 and offer encouragement to cadres and
people of all local ethnic groups to push ahead with emulation to help with
realising the socio-economic development targets for 2025.
Officials look at the snake mascots.
Nguyen Phi Long, alternate member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary
of the provincial Party Committee; Bui Duc Hinh, Standing Deputy Secretary of
the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee;
along with other delegates pose for a group photo in front of the mascots.
The mascots were inspired by images of workers
at the Hoa Binh hydropower plant who are tasked with continuing the glorious
historical chapter written by preceding cadres, soldiers, experts, and workers
to contribute to national power supply. The mascots were erected against the
background of the province’s logo, 6.5 metres high at the centre, supported by
a symbol of the Hoa Binh hydropower dam with the steam effect.
Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van Toan
presents flowers to the constructor and sponsor of the mascots.
In addition, the mascots also reflect the
aspirations for technological development and integration in the Industry 4.0
era. They symbolise modern electricity cables that imply technological advances
and adaptability in the new era, conveying a message about the Hoa Binh youth’s
desire for progress, good luck, positive energy, and determination on their
hometown’s path towards prosperous development.
A musical performance at the opening ceremony.
Lighting effects at night also bring a fresh and
modern look to the mascots.
Besides, colourful flower decorations around a
display of Hoa Binh’s achievements and culture also help enhance attractiveness
of the exhibition.
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.
Authorities and residents of Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district, are making efforts to preserve and promote the historical value of a centuries-old gold apple tree (scientifically known as diospyros decandra lour), which has been recognised as a national heritage tree.
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