(HBO) - The Hoa Binh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism opened a new display hall, themed "Typical cultural heritages of the Muong ethnic minority group in Hoa Binh" at the provincial museum to mark the Vietnam Heritage Day (November 23). The opening ceremony on November 23 was attended by Nguyen Van Chuong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, leaders of provincial departments and agencies, as well as more than 100 teachers and students of the Ly Tu Trong Junior High School.
Delegates and students visit the display hall.
The opening speech of a
top official of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism highlighted
the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hoa Binh, which serves as a resource
for socio-economic development in the cause of reform and international
integration.
The official said the
Muong ethnic cultural heritage has left deep imprints on many aspects of local
society, including stilt houses, costumes, cuisine, historical relics,
antiques, customs, festivals, religions and beliefs, language, music, and
performing arts. The Muong people are proud to be the cradle of the famous Hoa
Binh cuture.
On display at the hall are
nearly 200 documents and original artifacts, such as bronze drums, gongs, and
ancient pottery found in Muong tombs. Especially, for the first time, visitors had
a chance to explore the special value of the Mo Muong, which is recognised as an
item in the national intangible cultural heritage.
The display is meant to be
a step to implement the Party's Resolution on developing an advanced Vietnamese
culture imbued with national characteristics, while honoring and promoting the
Muong ethnic culture in the Vietnamese community of ethnic groups, and
educating the public, especially younger generations, on cultural traditions.
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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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