.jpg)
Authorities in Luong Son district have officially recognised Sau communal house in Thanh Cao commune as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic site.
.jpg)
A
representative from the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
presents the certification recognising Sau communal house as
aprovincial-level historical and cultural relic site.
Located in Sau Ha village, the communal house was originally
made of bamboo and thatch before being rebuilt with durable wood in a
traditional "J"-shaped structure. It remained a significant cultural and
spiritual site until 1950, when it was destroyed during a French military
sweep, leaving only its foundation. Worship activities ceased, and all
religious artifacts were lost. The communal house has since undergone multiple
restorations, leading to its present-day form.
Historical records preserved at the Vietnam Academy of Social
Sciences indicate that the Nguyen Dynasty bestowed four royal decrees upon the
communal house in 1887, 1909, and 1924. The communal house worships three
supreme-ranking deities: Tan Vien Son, Cao Son, and Quy Minh.
Rebuilt with community contributions, the communal house serves
as a cultural and spiritual landmark. Its annual festival, held on the fifth
day of the first lunar month, features unique traditional rituals and performances.
Given its historical and cultural significance, the Hoa Binh provincial
People’s Committee has granted Sau communal house the provincial-level
historical and cultural relic site status.
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.
.jpg)