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.
As part of Project 6 under the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2024, Lạc Sơn District, Hoa Binh province focuses on diverse and practical activities to promote the project's goal: "Preserving and promoting the beautiful traditional cultural values of ethnic groups in conjunction with tourism development."
After 3 years of implementing Resolution No. 04-NQ/TU, dated October 11, 2021 of the Provincial Party Standing Committee on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage values of Hoa Binh province's ethnic groups in the period of 2021 – 2025 with the orientation to 2030 (NQ04), it has mobilized the participation of the entire political system, the people from all walks of life and there have been positive changes. So far, out of the 10 targets of NQ04, 3 targets have been met and exceeded the plan set for 2025. Typically, 70% of the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of ethnic groups in the province is on the list of the national ICH items and they have been protected and restored, exceeding 20% of the proposed Resolution.
Great National Unity Day has been recently celebrated in Duong hamlet, Vay Nua commune, Da Bac district, in an atmosphere of warmth and community spirit. The event highlighted national identity and strengthened the bond of solidarity among residents.
On November 28, the People's Committee of Cao Phong district organized the Cultural and Sports Festival of Cao Phong district's ethnic groups in 2024.
