(HBO) – A survey in northern Hoa Binh province, conducted by the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs under the provincial People's Council in quarter I, 2022 has revealed the region is home to 786 intangible cultural heritage elements.
Two elements, in particular, have been recognized as national intangible
cultural heritages, namely Mo Muong and Muong gong cultures of the region.
Conducting survey
of Mo Muong heritage.
The survey showed that five types of traditional
arts in Hoa Binh are falling out of practice, leaving them on verge of
oblivion. The Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs under
the provincial People's Council stated the provincial People's Committee direct
the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to coordinate research, advise
and submit a draft resolution to the Provincial People's Council on the
preserving the culture of ethnic minorities in the province. The plan should
focus on preserving the language and writing for the next generation, it said.
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated
it would coordinate with the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs to implement
the project "Preserving and promoting traditional values of ethnic
minorities and tourism development". At the same time, it suggested to open
training courses on preserving culture for cadres and civil servants at all
levels and village elders in the community./.
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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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