(HBO) - The traditional celebration of the Independence Festival in Lac Son district is associated with the Vietnamese people’s most resounding historical event in the 20th century – the success of the August Revolution in 1945.
"Banh uoi” (uoi cake), which represents the solidarity and
love for life, is an indispensable dish in the Independence Festival of people
in Muong Vo area of Nhan Nghia commune, Lac Son district.
Under the Party’s leadership, people nationwide
launched a general uprising in August 1945 to seize power and break chains of
slavery. Following the revolution’s victory was the National Day September 2,
1945, when the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam) was established, opening up an era of independence and freedom.
joining compatriots across the country in
celebrating the triumph, the administration and people of Lac Son district also
marked the first Independence Festival in 1945.
Nowadays, whenever the Independence Festival
approaches, local residents become busy preparing for celebrations. Communes
will be decorated with banners, flags and flowers while a wide range of
meaningful activities will be held, reflecting the spirit of "Nothing is more
precious than independence and freedom” as stated by late President Ho Chi
Minh.
Bui Van Thuom, former Secretary of the Party
Committee of Lac Son district, said it is an everlasting spirit that has been
deeply instilled into the local populace and spread across the district,
becoming the tradition of celebrating the Independence Festival annually.
Studying culture of the Muong Vang area and the
Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province for many years, Bui Huy Vong, a
resident in Huong Nhuong commune of Lac Son district, highly valued the
tradition of celebrating the Independence Festival on August 19 and September 2
in some communes of Lac Son, which he said is not only typical for a large
Muong ethnic area but also enriches the value of the August 19 victory and the
National Day on September 2.
Secretary of the district’s Party Committee Bui
Van Hanh affirmed that all-level Party committees, authorities and people of
Lac Son are always proud of their Independence Festival celebrating
tradition./.
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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