Cold-fighting experience of Mong people in Nghe An

(Baonghean.vn) - Living in the highlands, with a cold climate all year round, the Mong people of Nghe An have many ways to adapt to the harsh environment.

As an ethnic minority that has long settled in the Western region of Nghe An, it can be said that the Mong community still retains many unique features in its cultural life. As an instinct, to survive and adapt to the cold climate at an altitude of over 1,200 meters above sea level, the Mong have a lot of experience in maintaining their lives.

The Mong people live in high mountainous areas with cold climates, so they often build very low, shabby houses and roof them with panels of pơmu and samu wood with essential oils to keep them warm... Photo: Dao Tho

According to village elder Lau Xai Phia in Nam Khien 2 village (Nam Can commune - Ky Son), the first thing to mention is that the Mong people's housing style is very different from other ethnic groups.

The Mong people's houses are located halfway up the mountain and turn their backs to the mountain so that they can receive sunlight to warm the house every day. While the Thai and Kho Mu people live in stilt houses, the Mong people's houses are often built very low to avoid the wind. The roofs and roofs are mostly made of oily wood such as sa mu and po mu to retain heat.

According to this village elder, when building a house, the Mong people often make two doors, one in the main room and one in the kitchen. If there is no important matter, the main door is always closed, people only go in and out through the kitchen door. According to their logic, the kitchen has a fire, so when the wind comes in, it will push the warmth to the rooms above the house.

The main door is often closed to prevent wind from entering. Photo: Dao Tho

The Mong elders also said that, for their people, the kitchen fire is an important place in the house. All daily activities take place in this space. "In the past, if there was no firewood in this place, the Mong people had to move to another place with firewood to withstand the cold and make a living" - said village elder Vu Chong Di in Tay Son commune (Ky Son).

The Mong people's main living space takes place around the fire. Photo: Dao Tho

In terms of dress, the Mong people's costumes are also different from those of other ethnic groups. To adapt to the climate, the Mong people often choose flax to weave fabric. The fabric is woven into thick sheets, worn in many layers to keep the body warm.

The Mong people choose thick, dark clothing to keep their bodies warm. Photo: Dao Tho

It can be said that, because of these experiences, despite many generations living in harsh conditions, the Mong people of Nghe An are still considered the "best" cold-resistant ethnic group.

Dao Tho