The cultural imprint of the Muong people
For generations, rice has been the main staple food of the Muong people in Thu Cuc, and therefore it is especially valued, revered, and even deified by the villagers. Rice is considered a special deity with a soul, so the rice offering ceremony is a simple ritual but always remembered. To ensure a bountiful harvest and a prosperous life, the villagers must organize a "rice spirit procession."
The ritual of carrying the spirit of the rice is also associated with a legend passed down through generations about a Muong girl named Nang Cuc, who was intelligent and beautiful – and who was instrumental in discovering the rice variety and bringing the spirit of rice to her village.
The shaman, on behalf of the Muong people, offered prayers to the deities, hoping for favorable weather, good health for the people, and the flourishing of crops and livestock.
According to local beliefs, Tet Doi is not simply a time of transition from the old year to the new year, but also an occasion for people to express gratitude to their ancestors, deities, and nature for protecting the Muong village.
Tet is usually celebrated after the harvest is complete, with granaries full of rice and storehouses full of grain. At that time, people temporarily set aside their farming work and prepare together for the Tet holidays, which hold deep spiritual significance.
A highlight of Tet Doi is its highly communal ritual system. From choosing auspicious days and preparing offerings to the sacrificial ceremonies, everything is performed according to age-old customs.
Besides the ceremonial part, the festive part of Tet Doi also reflects the unique cultural identity of the Muong people. Folk songs, the sounds of gongs and drums echoing through the mountains and forests create a warm atmosphere that fosters community cohesion.
Children eagerly follow the adults, learning how to greet and behave during Tet. The elderly recount old stories and pass on customs to their descendants. Tet Doi is therefore not just a festival, but also a cultural "classroom," where traditional values are naturally passed on.
The offerings are placed on banana leaves along with bowls and chopsticks, arranged by the shaman according to the customs and traditions of the Muong people.
Most remarkable is the spirit of solidarity among the Muong community during Tet (Lunar New Year). Each family and clan plays a specific role, working together to ensure the Tet celebration is complete. This sharing and mutual support is evident in the way people visit, exchange New Year greetings, and help each other, creating a strong bond among members of the Muong village.
Efforts to "keep the flame alive" for heritage
Modern life, with its many changes, presents numerous challenges for the Doi Tet festival. Cultural exchange and the new pace of life threaten to erase some rituals, and the younger generation is increasingly influenced by contemporary values. However, recognizing the unique value of the Doi Tet festival, the local government and community have been striving to preserve it as a precious heritage.
A significant milestone for the Muong people in Thu Cuc is that in June 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism decided to include the traditional festival, social customs and beliefs of the Muong people in Thu Cuc commune, Tet Doi, in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This decision not only affirms the outstanding value of Tet Doi in the national cultural heritage, but also creates an important legal basis for the preservation and promotion of the local heritage.
The procession carrying the rice spirit returns from the shrine of Lady Cúc to the Rice Spirit Temple in the central area of the commune.
Comrade Tran Khac Thang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Thu Cuc commune, said: The recognition of the Doi Tet Festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage demonstrates the efforts to preserve traditional cultural values in the ancestral homeland in general, and Thu Cuc commune in particular. At the same time, it creates an important foundation for the Muong ethnic community here to gradually implement activities to protect, promote, and exploit the unique intangible cultural heritage values associated with community tourism development. During the festival, held in early January of the Year of the Horse (2016), the locality organized a solemn and meticulous celebration, coinciding with the ceremony to receive the National Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
At this point, all preparations are nearing completion, with the hope of bringing a joyful festival season rich in cultural identity to the people and tourists, thereby arousing pride and love for the homeland.
The shrine dedicated to Lady Cúc at the entrance to the village on Đồng Than mountain is being renovated in preparation for the festival.
Preserving the Tet Doi festival is inseparable from developing community tourism. In recent years, the locality has gradually introduced the festival to tourists, but with a cautious approach, avoiding commercialization.
Visitors to Thu Cuc are encouraged to learn about and experience Muong culture, immersing themselves in the festival atmosphere. This approach both promotes the local image and creates additional livelihoods for the people, thereby raising awareness of heritage preservation.
From small things like teaching children to speak the Muong language and wear traditional clothing during Tet (Lunar New Year), to maintaining proper worship rituals, everything contributes to "keeping the flame alive" for the heritage.
The Doi Tet festival of the Muong people in Thu Cuc commune is not only a traditional festival, but also a symbol of cultural identity, of the harmonious relationship between people, nature, and the community.
In the modern era, the uniqueness of Tet Doi becomes even more precious, reminding us of the value of our roots. With these efforts, Tet Doi today is not only preserved but also has the opportunity to continue to spread, becoming a spiritual anchor for the Muong Thu Cuc people, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the heritage left by their ancestors.
Hong Nhung
Source: https://baophutho.vn/doc-dao-le-hoi-tet-doi-246487.htm
