(HBO) - Since the ancient time, Thai ethnic people in Chieng Chau commune (Mai Chau) have preserved brocade weaving. The brocade cloths are a measure of Thai ethnic women's ingenuity. The job of weaving brocade brings the pure value, it is the cultural quintessence of the Thai ethnic people. The products of brocade weaving is used to make home furnishings, dowry for the daughter when she gets married, now is known as a gift for tourists to visit Chieng Chau.
The traditional brocade weaving job became a
feature of the Thai ethnic cultural life here. During the leisure time, Thai
ethnic women are industrious at the weaving looms to create colorful brocade
cloths full of patterns and Thai ethnic characteristics. To develop brocade
weaving, Chieng Chau commune has established 3 Textile sectors: Thuan Hoa
social charity Center (a center of traditional manual weaving and industrial
sewing machines), Thap Khanh textile village and Chieng Chau brocade weaving
Cooperative.
The employees of Chieng Chau Brocade Weaving
Cooperative, Chieng Chau Commune (Mai Chau)
At present, 3 textile sectors of the commune
are operating effectively. Chieng Chau textile co-operative was established in
2009 thanks to the Jica organization to help with machines and training in
embroidery and sewing techniques. In addition, it comes from the passion of
Thai ethnic women with the desire to preserve traditional weaving of Chieng
Chau commune. Ms. Vi Thi Oanh, the Vice Chairman of Chieng Chau Co-operative
said: Currently, the Co-operative operates stably and creates regular jobs for
21 laborers with the income of 2.5-3 million VND / person / month. The products
of the cooperative mainly are bags, wallets, teddy bears, slippers, pillow
cases, in which the best-selling products are bags and wallets. The products of
the cooperative are favored by tourists, are being presented in most festivals,
fairs, and tourist resorts in the province. In addition, the Cooperative has
confirmed its presence in big cities such as Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Quang
Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, etc. Tourists certainly admires from admiring the hands
of skillful women. The visitors explored and walked along Lac Hamlet, under the
floor is the image of Thai ethnic women pounding loom weaving. Tourists can
visit, explore Lac hamlet to choose brocade gifts such as towels, bags, purses,
clothes, etc. There are many items to buy but brocade products are the first
choice of tourists.
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.
.jpg)
