The unique culture of Muong Vang

Following the reorganization of commune-level administrative units, the Muong Vang region (formerly Lac Son district) was established with 8 communes: Ngoc Son, Quyet Thang, Thuong Coc, Lac Son, Dai Dong, Yen Phu, Muong Vang, and Nhan Nghia. In the context of changing administrative boundaries and being placed within a larger development space, the cultural identity of the "core" Muong ethnic group has been preserved and its values ​​promoted. With over 150,000 inhabitants, 92% of whom are Muong people, Muong Vang is known as an ancient Muong land, a convergence of unique cultural features...

Women from the villages in the Muong Vang region interact and play the traditional Muong ethnic game of "danh mang".

Currently, the area preserves over 1,200 Muong gongs, nearly 19,000 stilt houses, and has developed 10 folk singing clubs (Thuong Rang Bo Meng), 1 Muong shaman club, 3 poetry clubs, 5 Muong gong clubs, 2 folk singing and dancing clubs, and 1 Muong ethnic brocade weaving cooperative. In addition, the Muong Vang community has preserved many unique customs and the essence of local cuisine . In particular, the beauty of traditional ethnic costumes is still frequently used by the people in their daily lives, especially during festivals and holidays. Traditional festivals are preserved and revived. The area boasts a rich system of historical sites, scenic spots, and landmarks, notably the Special National Monument of Xom Trai Cave (Muong Vang commune) and Lang Vang Rock Shelter (Yen Phu commune).

Currently, traditional folk games and activities are at risk of being forgotten due to the impact of market mechanisms on cultural and spiritual life, the development of the internet, and video games overshadowing some traditional musical instruments and folk games. However, in the villages of the Muong Vang region, folk games and traditional Muong ethnic sports still thrive.

Ms. Bui Thi Vinh from Ram Co hamlet, Thuong Coc commune, shared: "The Muong people in the Muong Vang region are always proud of their ethnic origins, reminding and educating their children to preserve their precious cultural heritage. It's gratifying that generations of the Muong community here have actively promoted cultural values ​​by enthusiastically participating in activities to revive folk games, festivals, and traditional weaving crafts; and in exchange programs featuring traditional Muong songs like 'dup giao duyen,' 'thuong rang,' and 'bo meng' with clubs from neighboring communes and provinces."

Ms. Bui Thi Tham, who has been involved in cultural preservation work in the Muong Vang community for many years, shared: "Muong culture has deeply permeated and spread throughout the spiritual life of every person in the Muong region. A clear example is the regular activities of Muong folk singing clubs in the area, which organize their own exchange activities and have many innovations in introducing and promoting Muong culture on the internet. The community regularly organizes traditional games like 'danh mang' (a traditional game), 'danh gang' (a traditional game), and stilt walking; ethnic sports such as crossbow shooting, stick pushing, and tug-of-war attract a large number of people from all walks of life to participate."

Over the past period, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Muong ethnic culture and the "Hoa Binh Culture," the support of the Party and State in terms of policies and guidelines, as well as the attention and guidance of Party committees, authorities, and various sectors and organizations in guiding, implementing, and organizing cultural movements and activities, is highly commendable. Nine traditional festivals have been restored in the area, notably the Du Voi Festival, the Khu Dung Cave Buddha Procession Festival, and the Xuong Dong Festival. Annually, the government organizes meetings to encourage artisans, researchers, collectors, and practitioners of traditional culture. Within the framework of Project 6 on "Preserving and promoting the valuable traditional culture of ethnic minorities in conjunction with tourism development," musical instruments and costumes have been provided to the performing arts groups in the communes, and Muong shamanic robes have been given to Muong shamanic clubs. In addition, traditional festivals are maintained annually. Numerous classes on intangible cultural heritage, sports competitions, and cultural and artistic exchanges are organized. Folk games, exchanges of traditional musical instruments, folk dances and songs, and the cultural space of the Muong gong have the opportunity to develop, creating a practice environment for artisans as well as a good environment for folk cultural activities.

Bui Minh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/doc-dao-van-hoa-muong-vang-235564.htm