New book released to pay tribute to Truong Sa martyrs

7/9/2018 - 4:03:13 PM

A new book entitled "Gac Ma - Vong Tron Bat Tu” (Gac Ma - The Immortal Circle) was officially launched by the Van Hoc (Literature) Publishing House and the First News Company, on July 5.

"Gac Ma - The Immortal Circle" has been officially launched, aimed at paying tribute to the national heroes who laid down their lives to safeguard the homeland’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.

The publishing of the book is aimed at paying tribute to the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

The book was initiated in 2014 with the purpose of expressing gratitude towards and telling the story of 64 Vietnamese Navy officers and soldiers who bravely sacrificed their lives to protect the Gac Ma Reef (Johnson South Reef), belonging to Vietnam’s Spratly archipelago, on March 14, 1988.

The cover of the "Gac Ma - The Immortal Circle" book.

Over the past four years, 68 participants including generals, historians, journalists and Gac Ma veterans conducted live interviews with Gac Ma soldiers in order to compile the book. Hero of the People's Armed Forces, Major General Le Ma Luong, is the chief editor of the multiple article collection.

The 328-page book has been published with 10,000 copies at its first issue, priced at VND198,800 each at bookstores throughout the country.

Source: NDO

Hoa Binh’s cultural heritage: Muong Gongs, a timeless cultural treasure

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, promoting Muong cultural heritage: Upholding Muong culture into contemporary life

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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.

Preserving essence of Muong culture: tradition meets modernity

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.

Preserving Muong community’s identity – Journey from tradition to modernity: Part 1 – Exploring Muong culture region

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.

Traditional festivals of Hoa Binh: A rich cultural heritage

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 – National intangible cultural heritage

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.