Preserving cultural identity in Ky Son
While the thick mist still hung heavy on every tree and branch, along every road, the people of Na Cang village (Na Ngoi commune) eagerly flocked to watch the bullfighting festival. This traditional folk game is an indispensable part of the cultural life of the Mong people in Ky Son, reflecting the aspirations for prosperity and abundance of the people in this mountainous region. Along with the bullfighting festival, the people here also preserve distinctive cultural features of the Mong people such as their language, clothing, customs, and house architecture.
(Baonghean)While the thick mist still hung heavy on every tree and branch, along every road, the people of Na Cang village (Na Ngoi commune) eagerly flocked to watch the bullfighting festival. This traditional folk game is an indispensable part of the cultural life of the Mong people in Ky Son, reflecting the aspirations for prosperity and abundance of the people in this mountainous region. Along with the bullfighting festival, the people here also preserve distinctive cultural features of the Mong people such as their language, clothing, customs, and house architecture.
We arrived at Huoi Tho village, Huu Kiem commune, home to the Khmu people, on a spring day. The sounds of flutes and music filled the village. Young and old, men and women alike, gathered at the community cultural center to celebrate, dance, and sing. Beside warm jars of rice wine, they reveled in the lively Tơm songs. Elderly people with graying hair still moved rhythmically to the beat of gongs and drums, smiling and showing off their gleaming black teeth. Visitors from afar immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, deeply appreciating the unique culture of the Khmu people here.
Leaving Huoi Tho village while the sounds of gongs and drums still lingered, we immersed ourselves in the folk games of the Thai ethnic people in Na village, Huu Lap commune, such as throwing the ball, stick pushing, and archery… The gentle and graceful Thai girls danced in the xoe dance and sang with smooth, deep voices in the khap and nhuon melodies… Their soft, nimble hands moved in rhythm with each movement, and they too are the hands that tirelessly weave fabric day and night. The art of brocade weaving has become a deeply ingrained cultural tradition passed down from generation to generation. The women of Na village have established a brocade weaving cooperative with over 60 members. Through brocade weaving, many families here have escaped poverty, while also contributing to preserving the traditional culture of their ethnic group.
Ky Son District is home to five ethnic groups living together: Mong, Khmu, Thai, Kinh, and Hoa. Each ethnic group has its own customs, traditions, and production methods, creating a diverse and rich cultural tapestry. Recognizing culture as the foundation of economic development, for many years, local authorities have focused on improving the quality of life and spiritual well-being of the people. This includes the restoration of the Pu Nha Thau Temple Festival, held in early spring according to traditional customs, in a civilized and orderly manner, reflecting the unique identity and meeting the spiritual needs of the ethnic communities. In 2009, the Pu Nha Thau Temple was recognized as a historical and cultural relic by the People's Committee of Nghe An Province, and the Pu Nha Thau Temple Festival has become a distinctive cultural feature of the ethnic communities in Ky Son District.
Procession at Pu Nha Thau Temple.
Besides the Pu Nha Thau Temple Festival, in recent years, Ky Son district has also organized the Cay Da Temple Festival in Ca Ta commune to serve the spiritual life of the people. Currently, the temple has been renovated on a rather majestic scale with over 400 million VND from socialized capital.
Speaking with us, Mr. Moong Thai Nhi, Head of the Culture Department of Ky Son District, said: In recent times, the District People's Committee has coordinated with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to survey and inventory the system of intangible cultural heritage in the villages in the area; research and restore the ancient wedding ceremony of the Khmu people in Huoi Tho village (Huu Kiem); maintain the buffalo fighting festival and the Mong ethnic cultural festival in Dooc May, Muong Long, and Huoi Tu communes.
The organization restored the Xang Khan Festival in Na village, Huu Lap commune; simultaneously, in coordination with the Institute of Music, organized two classes to teach folk music, dance, and traditional musical instrument performance to 30 Khmu students and 30 Mong students; researched and restored some cultural characteristics of the Khmu ethnic group in Huoi Tho village, Huu Kiem commune, and the Mong ethnic group in Son Ha village, Ca Ta commune; and organized classes to teach traditional crafts such as brocade weaving, basket weaving, musical instrument making, and metal casting.
Mr. Moong Thai Nhi added: Besides preserving cultural values, Ky Son district also aims to promote the cultural identity of ethnic groups, creating momentum for socio-economic development. In the coming time, the district will continue to implement plans to restore, renovate, and manage historical relics and scenic spots well to link cultural development with tourism, contributing to increased income and poverty reduction.
Nguyen Le
