In the context of globalisation and deeper integration, preserving and promoting the national cultural identity is of utmost importance. Aware of their pioneering and proactive role on all fronts, over the years, the youth organisations at all levels in Hoa Binh province have implemented various concrete and practical activities to preserve and promote the cultural identities of ethnic groups in the locality.
The youth club for preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identity of the province, in collaboration with Hoa Dat Muong store (Hoa Binh city), introduces outstanding local cultural products at the "Meet India" programme in 2024 organised by the provincial People's Committee.
Hoa Binh is home to various ethnic groups, namely Muong, Kinh, Thai, Dao, Tay, and Mong. Each has its own customs, beliefs, and heritage values of literature and arts, language, writing and folk knowledge, and unique traditional costumes. The province is also renowned for the world-famous Hoa Binh Civilization, the cradle of the ancient Vietnamese culture.
Over recent years, the province has paid attention to and directed the work of preserving and developing the culture of ethnic minorities.
However, in the era of Industry 4.0, there are numerous difficulties and challenges. Many cultural values of the Muong ethnic group and the "Hoa Binh Civilisation" face the serious risk of being lost.
Nguyen Van Doan, head of the youth club for preserving and promoting ethnic cultural identity of the province, stated that with their pioneering and proactive role, technology skills, and ability to access information, local young people and youth union members have effectively utilised digital platforms to spread and promote ethnic culture. Many have used social media platforms such as Zalo, TikTok, and Facebook to introduce their customs, traditions, and cultural heritage to a large audience both domestically and internationally. Notably, they have effectively used digital technology to showcase the beautiful landscapes and distinctive cultural features of the ethnic groups in the province to tourists.
In addition, local youths have pioneered in digital transformation, building and applying QR codes at historical and cultural relic sites to provide information about and automated interpretation of the province’s culture and tourism for residents and tourists.
Nguyen Duy Tu, Secretary of the provincial Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, said that through practical actions, union members and youth in the province have consistently raised their awareness and sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. They have been the core force in efforts to preserve and promote ethnic cultural 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.
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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