(HBO) - Meritorious artist
Bui Huy Vong from the
northern
province of Hoa Binh was among 113 authors and late
authors nationwide honoured with the Ho Chi Minh
Awards and State Prize in
Literature and Arts in
2017, the highest ranking award
of its kind in the country.
Politburo member, Secretary of the Central Party Committee and head of the Party Central
Committee's Information and Education Commission Vo Van Thuong and 2017
Award winners at the honouring ceremony.
He won the State prize for works relating to traditional funeral rites of
Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh.
Artist Bui Huy Vong is a Muong ethnic. He was born in
1967 in Bung hamlet, Huong
Nhuong commune, Lac Son district.
He is a member of the provincial Association of Literature and Arts, the Folk Arts Association of Vietnam, and the Literature and Arts
Association of Vietnamese Ethnic Minorities.
During his career, he has written 80 articles and studies, published 12 books and
joined two scientific research projects. He has won 10 awards at the provincial
level, and one State-level award.
At present, Vong is participating in scientific research projects related to
preserving and promoting the values of Mo Muong- a special culture heritage of
Muong people in Hoa Binh, and building the alphabet of Muong scripts, among
others.
Bui Huy
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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