Dedicated artisans like meritorious artist Bui Tien Xo from Vinh Tien commune (Kim Boi district) pass on their passion for Muong cultural heritage to younger generations.

For centuries, the sound of gongs has accompanied important Muong ceremonies including new year blessings, weddings, funerals, traditional communal hunts, house-building, and inaugurations. The rhythms of the gongs help shape the atmosphere like festive, solemn, joyful, or mournful and serve as a communication tool to announce urgent events like natural disasters or family mourning.

Gongs are also used to inspire unity and morale, and once symbolised authority and power, especially in the hands of local chieftains. Played in structured patterns, Muong gongs produce unique, resonant melodies that stir deep emotions.

To the Muong people, gongs are sacred family heirlooms, passed down through generations. According to local authorities, there are over 11,000 gongs across the province, concentrated in the four major Muong regions, including Bi (Tan Lac), Vang (Lac Son), Thang (Cao Phong), and Dong (Kim Boi) and other districts like Luong Son, Da Bac, and Hoa Binh city.

In recent years, the province has taken steps to preserve and promote gong culture. Numerous gong clubs have been established, and passionate individuals such as Bui Ngoc Thuan (Cao Phong), Bui Huy Vong (Lac Son), and others have devoted themselves to researching, teaching, and reviving traditional gong practices for younger generations.

Muong gong culture remains vibrant, featured in major festivals such as the Khai Ha festival, fish-catching rituals, new year blessings, weddings, harvest celebrations, military conscription days, and national unity days. Iconic gong piecessuch as "Welcoming Guests,” "On the Road,” and "White and Yellow Flowers”, are being embraced by youth. Researchers have now recorded 50 traditional gong melodies.

Hoa Binh’s gongs have also gained national and international recognition. A 1,500-performer gong ensemble at the province’s 125th anniversary in 2011 set a Vietnamese Guinness record. In 2016, 2,000 artisans performed in another record-setting event. Most recently, at the 2022 "Hoa Binh – Sounds of Muong” carnival, over 200 performers showcased this living tradition.

Related Topics

Women's clothing of ethnic minorities in Hoa Binh

Preserving, promoting Muong cultural heritage: Upholding Muong culture into contemporary life

Preserving essence of Muong culture: tradition meets modernity

Preserving Muong community’s identity – Journey from tradition to modernity: Part 1 – Exploring Muong culture region

---

Traditional festivals of Hoa Binh: A rich cultural heritage

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 – National intangible cultural heritage

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.

Chieng Chau commune preserves heritage tree

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.

Ever-resonating Dong Son drums of Hoa Binh

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 Muong - unique cultural heritage of Muong people

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.

Unique traits of ethnic groups in Hoa Binh

Hoa Binh leaves a strong impression on visitors due to the diversity in the lifestyle and cultural identities of its ethnic groups. The province is home to six main ethnic groups, with a total population of nearly 900,000. The largest group is Muong, making up 63.3% of the population, followed by Kinh with 27.73%, Thai 3.9%, Tay 2.7%, Dao 1.7%, Mong 0.52%, and other ethnic groups 1.18%. Along with the long history of the nation’s formation and defence, the province’s ethnic groups have always been united, hardworking, and determined to strive for socio-economic development. At the same time, each ethnic group displays its own unique and distinct cultural identity, contributing to a diverse, rich, and attractive cultural tapestry.