A set of books on Vietnam-Laos special relations has been introduced to the public by the Information and Communications Publishing House.
Cover of a book on Vietnam-Laos
special relations.
The set contains 11 books which give readers an insight into
Laos as well as its people, socio-economic situation and culture.
The books also analyse the relationship between Vietnam and
Laos in the past, at present, as well as future prospects.
The set of books is expected to realise the guideline and
foreign policy of the Vietnamese Party and State in further consolidating and
developing the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam
and Laos as recommended by President Ho Chi Minh.
The books were compiled in 2017 when the two countries
celebrated 40 years since they signed a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July
18), and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties (September 5).
The Vietnam-Laos relations were founded by Vietnamese President Ho Chi
Minh and his Lao counterpart Kaysone Phomvihane and have been nurtured by
generations of leaders and people of the two countries over the past more than
seven decades, becoming a valuable treasure of the two nations.
Source: NDO
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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.