Sao oi (Muong flute), a unique traditional instrument of the Muong ethnic people, calls out the arrival of spring throughout the villages. Its pure and tender tones are reminiscent of the gentle spring breeze, carrying the thoughts and emotions of the highland people of the northwest.
Ha Xuan Trong, from Man Duc town, Tan Lac district, is captivated by melody of Muong flute.
During village gatherings, spring festivals and Tet celebrations, the Muong people often use the Mưong flute to accompany singing, especially lullabies, folk songs, and Muong folk songs.
The Muong flute, also known as "ống ôi" or "kháo ôi" by the Muong people, was ingeniously crafted by generations of skilled artisans, passed down from one generation to the next. Made primarily from bamboo, it has 4 finger holes and 5 musical notes: Ho - Su - Sang - Xe - Cong, and can produce high-pitched tones. Therefore, the sound of the Muong flute is simple and rustic, yet profound and gentle, with its own distinct nuances.
Unlike the bamboo flute, the Muong flute is suitable for Muong folk melodies. The Muong people's flute is likened to a call of love. While Hmong men use the "khèn” and "kèn lá” to express affection and win over girls, Muong men use the Muong flute to convey their feelings of love and affection. Its melodious sound travels from one end of the village to the other; in the forest, on the fields, it echoes from one place to another; by the rivers, streams, it resonates from one bank to the other. In the flute's melody, many words like "ôi" are used, such as ôi hỡi (my friend), ôi hày (oh dear), ôi hạ (oh dear), ôi hởi (oh dear), hỡi ôi (my dear) sounding intimate and sincere. The sound of the Muong flute seems to call out to loved ones, stirring the hearts of Muong girls. Its echoing tones are like expressions of affectionate confession, promises, vows, so deeply resonant! From those heartfelt sounds, the words "ôi" and "ơi" have paved the way for young couples to come together, innocently and passionately, yet filled with love and meaning.
Today, the Muong flute continues to be cherished, refined, and passed down through the skilled hands of Muong artisans across generations. Its resonant sound carries melodies and emotions, heralding the arrival of spring.
A great national solidarity festival was held in Ngai hamlet, Thach Yen commune, Cao Phong district, on November 8. Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoa Binh province Bui Van Khanh, and Colonel Trinh Duc Thiem, Commander of the provincial Military Command, attended the event.
A great national unity festival was held in Cau Son hamlet in Nhuan Trach commune of Luong Son district on November 10.
The organising board for the Hoa Binh Culture and Tourism Week 2024 has officially released its press statement.
The People’s Committee of Hoa Binh province held a press conference on November 5 to announce the details of its upcoming 2024 Culture-Tourism Week.
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.
On November 3rd, the residential area, sub-zone 1, Mai Chau town (Mai Chau) organized the Great National Solidarity and the Culture Festival between the local people and the armed forces. There was the attendance of Colonel Do Thanh Binh, the Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, the Director of the Provincial Public Security; the leaders from the appropriate departments and branches of the province and Mai Chau district. This is the residential area chosen to host the Great Solidarity Festival in the district in 2024.
