(HBO) - During the journey to Tay Nguyen to write the book "Muong ethnic people of Hoa Binh living in Tay Nguyen” by the artists of the provincial Art and Literature Association, we arrived at Hoa Thang, Buon Ma Thuot city (Dak Lak). It is the place where Muong ethnic people from Hoa Binh and Phu Tho migrated since the 1950s of the last century.
The leaders from the provincial Art and Literature Association with gong
artisans of Muong in Hoa Thang commune, Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province.
Hoa Thang commune is about 7 km from the city
center. Muong ethnic people of Hoa Binh in Hoa Thang accounts for over 13.47%
of the commune's population (over 2,300 people), concentrated in 3 villages 1,
2, and 3. During the investigation, we met with many people of the different
age groups in different Muong regions. Each person has different living
conditions, but they all have one thing in common, all they miss their
homeland, Hoa Binh, very much. Meeting us, knowing that we are Hoa Binh,
everyone enthusiastically and warmly welcomed us. There are many people, who
have not been able to return home since they were born until they are 40 - 50
years because of the conditions.
Muong ethnic people of Hoa Binh in Hoa Thang have
preserved many customs such as funerals, marriage, ancestor worship, and clan
relations still having many old features. In the story, we often heard the
names of old Muong places in Hoa Binh. Many major places we still do not
understand, because the old Muong name has been replaced by many new ones.
Ms. Bui Thi Hanh (born in 1960) lives in village
3, Hoa Thang commune. Her parents lived in Muong Coc (Thuong Coc - Lac Son)
before 1954. She is more fortunate than many other people. She has been able to
return to the hometown many times. She is diligent in researching so she is
quite knowledgeable about Muong culture. She told us many stories about ancient
Muong land, about 4 Muong lands, Bi - Vang - Thang - Cave.
In the way of searching, we continued to meet
many more people such as Mr. Nguyen Van Dong, Mr. Dinh The Dong, Mr. Quach Vi,
the family of Mr. Dinh Cong Chinh (a prestigious shaman in Hoa Thang), the
family of Mr. Dinh Cong Thuan… They are the ones who remember and know quite
well about the old Hoa Binh. Among them, Mr. Guo Canh was probably the one who
surprised us the most. He was born in 1950, from Muong Khu (ie, Ngoc Lau
commune - Lac Son). When he was just 4 years old, he followed his family to the
South. Over the past these years, he has not returned to Hoa Binh once, but
strangely he remembers famous places in Hoa Binh with the old and new names,
the story about the langurs of Muong, large and small Muong regions in Hoa
Binh. He told the stories happening nearly a century ago, but it looks like
that they just happened yesterday next to his house. He remembered a lot of the
ancient Muong places. He gave me a map of Hoa Binh tourism, in which, he wrote
quite a lot of old places beside new ones on the map with pen and ink.
With different information from many people and
from Mr. Quach Canh, we have built a list of names of Hoa Binh old places.
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.