The provincial Union of Science and Technology in coordination with the Heritage Park for Scientists & Scholars of Vietnam has organised a symposium on culture traits associated with Tay Tien (Westward advancing) soldiers and tourism along the route they once marched.
A view of the symposium.
The May 17 event formed part of the
science-technology activities aiming to promote the cultural and historical
values of documents and objects related to the Tay Tien Regiment, thus
promoting local tourism.
Other activities include adding more than 50
documents and objects presented by the soldiers’ relatives to the provincial
museum, raising the total number of such items collected since 2012 to 350; and
clarifying many stories featuring sentiments between the soldiers and
residents, notably ethnic groups in Hoa Binh province.
The Tay Tien front covered Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Son
La, and Thanh Hoa of Vietnam, and Huaphanh of Laos.
Over the past time, Hoa Binh and other
localities have carried out an array of activities to commemorate Tay Tien
soldiers and raise youths’ awareness of their sacrifice.
There are three relic sites associated with the
regiment, of them two in Lac Son (Hoa Binh) and Muong Lat (Thanh Hoa) winning
the provincial status, and the other in Moc Chau (Son La) earning the national
recognition.
At the symposium, participants looked into the
cultural and historical values of the documents and objects, and raised
proposals to promote Tay Tien tourism in Hoa Binh, as well as tours along the
route, from Hanoi through Hoa Binh and Son La to Huaphanh.
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 This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.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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