(HBO) - In the morning of January 27, within the framework of the activities before the opening ceremony of Kha Ha fesstival Muong ethnic minority in Hoa Binh province, a ritual of Mo worshiping the Land and the Earth takes place; competing in the qualifying round of folk games, ethnic sports and Sec Bua contest of 16 communes at the stadium of Phong Phu commune and the cultural house of Luy Ai hamlet, Phong Phu commune (Tan Lac).
The practice rituals of Mo worshiping the Earth and the Earth.
Mo worshiping the Earth and the Land is a religious rite in Khai Ha festival of Muong ethnic group to ask for permission from the Earth and the Land of this area to open Khai Ha festival at the beginning of the year, praying for the favorable rain, the harmonious wind and the favorable weather so that the Festival can succeed. The outstanding artisan, Mr. Bui Van Lung, is a magician who practices the spiritual rituals.
Right after the worshiping ceremony of the Earth and the Land, the content of the national sports and folk games imbued with the cultural identity, including crossbow shooting, stick pushing, tug of war, cotton ball throwing, tickling, and array fighting … and Sec Bua between the teams from 16 communes and towns entering the qualifying round. The sports and cultural activities take place excitingly, reviving the old folklore, attracting tourists to the big festival. Sec Bua competing at Luy Ai Cultural House, Phong Phu commune (Tan Lac). The sports activities, folk games... and Sec Bua contest continue taking place on January 28-29 (i.e. January 7-8).
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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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