Cao Lan cultural meeting point in Dong Son

On an autumn afternoon, the golden rays of sunlight, like silken threads, fall upon the stilt houses of the Cao Lan people in Dong Son village, Yen Son commune, painting a magical picture of the mountainous region. In this setting, the house of Ms. Hoang Thi Duyen's family stands out. It is not only the home of three generations but also a community space, where villagers gather daily to preserve and promote their ethnic identity.

Traditional houses preserve the soul of the nation.

During holidays and festivals, Duyen's small family kitchen becomes unusually bustling and cozy. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bird-shaped cakes permeates the space, evoking beautiful memories. Looking at that kitchen, one sees not just a simple cooking space but also feels the warmth of family affection and the strong bond between generations.

The warm, cozy atmosphere of Duyen's family gathering together to wrap pigeon-shaped cakes for a special holiday.

On the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Duyen's family gathered together to make traditional mooncakes. Her husband, Lam Van Quan, carefully cleaned each pandan leaf. Beside him, their daughter, Lam Thi Kim Khanh, skillfully rolled the strings to wrap the beautiful mooncakes. The family atmosphere was made even warmer by Duyen's gentle storytelling of fairy tales and the children's cheerful chatter.

Mr. Lam Van Quan and his daughter introduce their family's traditional rattan and bamboo weaving products.

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For Ms. Duyen, passing on culture begins with the simplest things. She takes the opportunity to teach her children lullabies and the distinctive melodies of the Cao Lan people. For her, these are not just lessons in music , but also a way to nurture love for her ethnic roots. "Language is the soul of a nation, a bridge connecting descendants to their ancestors," Ms. Duyen shared while her hands nimbly wrapped cakes. This simple sentiment is a profound reminder of the importance of preserving one's mother tongue and traditional customs.

Spreading the love of culture.

Not confined to her family, the cultural "flame" emanating from Ms. Duyen's house spreads strongly throughout the community. Every afternoon, the familiar sounds of laughter, conversation, and children babbling as they learn to sing Sình songs fill the stilt house. From the elderly to the young in the village, everyone comes here as if rediscovering a part of their own memories. They sit together, sharing stories of the harvest, their children, and then humming along to the Sình songs. In that rustic space, Cao Lan culture is "revived" through each song, each costume, and every everyday conversation.

Kim Khánh (in the middle) performs in the cultural program "Preserving the Cao Lan Ethnic Identity".

That love for culture has been passed down naturally. Kim Khanh, Duyen's daughter, now a 12th-grade student, proudly shared: "Every time I get to wear the traditional costume and perform traditional dances, I feel incredibly proud. For me, it's not just a hobby, but also a way to express my love and appreciation for my nation's cultural identity." Kim Khanh is one of the representatives of the younger generation actively inheriting and spreading the beauty of the nation's culture.

Duyen's family also regularly participates in cultural activities, showcasing traditional ethnic costumes in local festivals and competitions. Through these simple yet persistent actions, Duyen's family not only carries within them a sense of pride in their ethnic identity but also contributes to spreading that pride to the community, igniting a love for culture in the younger generation of the Cao Lan people.

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Text and photos: Canh Truc

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/du-lich/202510/diem-hen-van-hoa-cao-lan-o-dong-son-18a61c2/