The 'fire keepers' of highland cultural identity

In the bustling breath of modern life, somewhere in the highland villages and ethnic minority areas, we can still easily encounter the traditional cultural beauty of the ethnic groups, where the role of mothers and grandmothers is very important. Every woman, especially the Thai ethnic grandmothers, still diligently embroiders day and night to preserve the traditional craft of their ethnic group. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Brocade weaving is one of the long-standing cultural features of the Thai ethnic group. Ms. Vi Thi Lien, residing in Can village, Tam Thai commune, said: “In the past, Thai ethnic women were taught how to embroider and weave by their mothers and grandmothers from a young age. Thus, weaving and brocade embroidery became a typical traditional cultural feature that has been maintained through many generations. And it is considered a criterion to evaluate the dexterity and talent of women when they come of age to get married. Nowadays, girls are no longer interested in weaving, so even though we are old, we still try to preserve the traditional craft left by our ancestors.” Photo: Dinh Tuan

The Khmu and Thai ethnic groups also have a long-standing tradition of weaving. For them, weaving has been ingrained in their blood since childhood. Therefore, weaving is not only to earn extra income, but also to preserve the craft and the traditional beauty of the ethnic group. Photo: Dinh Tuan

The O Du are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Vietnam, currently living in Tuong Duong district. Besides some traditional customs that are at risk of being lost, weaving, dyeing fabric and sewing typical costumes are still being preserved. Notably, in the process of dyeing fabric, the O Du people still follow a unique manual method. Currently, Ms. Lo Thi Nga, in Vang Mon village, Nga My commune, Tuong Duong district, is one of the few people who still know how to dye and sew O Du ethnic costumes. She said: "To have a pot of dyeing water, I have to go deep into the forest to collect tree barks, bring them back to boil in a pot and add a little lime powder. Just like that, boil until the water turns color, then put the fabric in to dye." Photo: Dinh Tuan

Contributing to the captivating beauty of the Tơm melodies of the Khmu ethnic group is the Pi, a very unique musical instrument. In the rich musical instrument system of the Khmu people, up to 90% are made from bamboo, with unique tones, sometimes low, sometimes high. Facing the risk of being lost, the elderly of Coi village, Luong Minh commune have built a Club to Preserve the Traditional Culture of the Khmu people. Photo: Dinh Tuan

The Thai ethnic group is one of the ethnic minorities that owns many unique traditional musical instruments and it is impossible not to mention the Khac Luong. This is a tool used by the people to pound rice, especially when the pestle is hit on the trough, it creates a very funny sound. Therefore, Khac Luong has become an indispensable musical instrument in the spiritual life of the community. During the holidays and Tet of the people in the highlands, especially the elderly women, they organize the Khac Luong festival. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Faced with the reality that he is Thai but cannot write or read Thai. Meritorious Artisan Vi Khan Mun (born in 1946), residing in Yen Hoa commune, Tuong Duong district, is a lover of his ethnic culture, so he researched, collected and, together with a number of others, compiled a curriculum to teach Thai Lai Pao to his children and grandchildren. With the desire to help his children and grandchildren learn to read and write the ethnic language. Photo: Dinh Tuan

The elderly in all highland villages have been actively and proactively promoting their role in inheriting and sustainably developing the nation's fine cultural values, contributing significantly to the cause of building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity. Photo: Dinh Tuan