The ancient Muong area of Muong Dong – Kim Boi is experiencing a cultural resurgence, becoming a popular source of spiritual enrichment and drawing locals from walks of life.
Kim Boi district prioritises teaching of
traditional culture to younger generations
Cultural and art activities have flourished not
only in Vinh Dong commune but across the district, fully meeting local creative
and recreational needs. Traditional folk performances such as Muong gong
ensemble performances, and folk songs and dances of the Muong and Dao ethnic
groups, as well as Mo Muong rituals and other spiritual activities in
festivals, are being increasingly preserved and promoted. The annual Muong Dong
festival, held on the 8th day of the Lunar New Year in Vinh Dong commune,
attracts numerous amateur performers to cultural activities, processions, and
gong performances.
Having recorded these achievements, yet
community-based cultural and art activities are facing hurdles such as limited
funding, lack of land for cultural houses, recreational spaces, and training
grounds, as well as inadequate infrastructure and equipment, especially in
remote areas.
Looking ahead, Kim Boi district plans to enhance
the leadership and direction of Party Committees and local authorities in
promoting grassroots cultural activities. Key focuses include improving the
quality of community cultural life through the movement for national solidarity
in building cultural lifestyles, completing cultural facilities and supporting the
formation of cultural and art clubs and performance troupes, promoting
traditional folk arts to create cultural products rich in ethnic identity;
effective management, planning, training, and nurturing of staff responsible
for cultural affairs; proposing policies and investment levels for public art
activities, and arranging specialised training and political education for
artists and folk artisans, renewing the activities of relevant clubs and
professional associations to unify and inspire creativity among artists and
artisans, while encouraging public engagement in preserving and passing down
traditional cultural values.
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.
Authorities and residents of Chieng Chau commune, Mai Chau district, are making efforts to preserve and promote the historical value of a centuries-old gold apple tree (scientifically known as diospyros decandra lour), which has been recognised as a national heritage tree.
Hoa Binh is home to two types of Dong Son drums: Heger I and Heger II. These drums date back from the 4th century BC to the 5th century AD.
Mo is a term referring to a profession and cultural heritage which integrates folk beliefs with folk culture and arts. Practiced at funerals and religious rituals by the Muong ethnic people, it aims to provide spiritual comfort during significant life events such as illness and death.
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