Sharing a house

In the early days of September, when the atmosphere of Independence autumn is still spreading in every Vietnamese person, reading the book Chung mot ngoi nha - Atlas of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups, just published by Kim Dong Publishing House, further strengthens the spirit of great solidarity and pride in a unified Vietnam, rich in cultural identity.

Cover of the book Sharing a House.

This is also a living "cultural treasure" of 54 ethnic groups, a valuable source of documents for study, research and teaching, helping today's and future generations to better understand, love and be proud of Vietnam's cultural identity.

Unique cultural pieces

The 54 ethnic groups in the S-shaped strip of land all possess their own cultural identity expressed through language, costumes, customs, production methods, art forms, and culinary characteristics. Typical examples include: the thang co dish of the Mong, Tay, and Thai people in the remote northern border areas; the sun-dried beef with yellow ants, a typical dish of ethnic minorities in the Truong Son - Tay Nguyen region; the pha lau, sausage, or pia cake - specialties of the Chinese; unique architectures such as the Meo King's Palace, communal houses, pagodas, towers...; the epic poems De dat de nuoc of the Muong people, Dam San, Xinh Nha of the E De people, the xoe dance of the Thai people, the gong echoes of the ethnic groups in the Central Highlands...

The unique cultural features of the Vietnamese ethnic groups, which are both familiar and strange to each listener, have been scientifically and attractively synthesized in the book Sharing a House - Atlas of 54 Vietnamese Ethnic Groups. This is a carefully invested cultural research work by author Vo Thi Mai Chi and artist Ho Quoc Cuong (after books that have created certain resonance such as: The Country of Brocade - Atlas of Vietnam in 2022 and Through the Steps of Time: Typical Works of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City in 2025).

In Sharing a House, readers can feel the unique and distinct nuances of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam expressed in each village, house, dish, and festival; admire traditional costumes with typical patterns, or understand more about the customs and practices of each ethnic group that have been preserved and passed down from ancient times through generations. All are conveyed with distilled, condensed information, expressed through familiar, colorful images.

As a person passionate about culture and history, I feel very lucky to have been able to do the visual part for the book Chung mot ngoi nha, hoping to contribute to the great circle, creating interest for readers to learn more about aspects of life of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Painter Ho Quoc Cuong

Desire to preserve cultural identity of ethnic groups

Artist Ho Quoc Cuong signs autographs for young readers during the book launch of Chung mot ngoi nha at Ho Chi Minh City book street.

In the context of deep integration as today, "national identity" is both the legacy of our ancestors and the source of internal strength of the nation. The spirit of great national solidarity is the core factor for every Vietnamese to join hands to build and protect the country in the new era. And the book Chung mot ngoi nha was born to contribute a close and attractive cultural product to evoke and spread the spirit of great national solidarity in the community.

According to author Vo Thi Mai Chi, when delving into the history, culture, life, and customs of each ethnic group, she went from surprise to admiration for the diverse cultures as well as the rich spiritual life of the ethnic groups. All together create a picture of Vietnamese cultural identity. As a Vietnamese, she is extremely proud to be a member of that family. This is the motivation for her to start compiling the book Chung mot ngoi nha.

The value of the book, which carries the dedication of the author and the expectations of those who love Vietnamese culture and identity, is obvious, but how to make these values ​​reach the majority of the public is also a concern. Researcher Nguyen Thanh Loi said: Investing in publishing a book about 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups with a new and attractive way of expression is very valuable, showing the dedication of the author and publisher, but to make the work reach the villages and the community is a difficult problem. Because, spreading the cultural values ​​of ethnic groups is very necessary, thereby arousing the exploration, love and responsibility to preserve and spread the cultural values ​​of Vietnamese ethnic groups.

Thuy Trang - Phuong Uyen

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202509/chung-mot-ngoi-nha-b6c29e1/