The Hmong people preserve their roots to reach further.

High in the perpetually cloud-covered mountains, the Hmong people persistently build a new cultural life by "separating the good from the bad," preserving traditional values, building a civilized way of life, and aiming for sustainable socio-economic development. With willpower and determination, the Hmong people are on a long journey, holding onto their roots to reach further.

In Suoi Giang commune (Van Chan district, Yen Bai province), over 98% of the population are H'Mong people. There was a time when funerals were a heavy burden, burdened by many outdated customs, which left many families impoverished.

Changes began to appear after 2010, especially when the locality implemented Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW dated June 9, 2014, on "Building and developing Vietnamese culture and people to meet the requirements of sustainable national development" and the movement "All people unite to build new rural areas and civilized urban areas," associated with preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group in Suoi Giang. Life gradually changed, and outdated customs were gradually eliminated.

Mr. Vang Sung Hai, then the head of the Vang clan, was a pioneer in advocating for his clan to organize simple funerals using coffins: "Preserving identity is key, but we cannot let customs become a burden on the living." Thanks to the prestige of the clan head and the involvement of the government, the new practice gradually spread.

By the end of 2024, almost all villages and hamlets here had developed village regulations and customs that were consistent with ethnic identity and integrated with the criteria for building new rural areas. The percentage of households achieving the title of "Cultural Family" was 83%, exceeding the set target.

Many households, such as those of Mr. Sung A Henh, Mr. Vang A Giao, and Mr. Vang A Chong in Suoi Giang commune, have pioneered the development of community tourism linked to the processing of Shan Tuyet tea. In 2024, Suoi Giang commune produced 620 tons of fresh tea buds on 410 hectares of ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees. The tea sold at high prices, tourism flourished, and many households escaped poverty and became wealthy.

In Lao Cai , nearly half of the 38 community-based tourism villages belong to the Hmong people. Efforts are being made to preserve their cultural space, from the architecture of their houses to their traditional clothing and daily routines. A healthy cultural life is also an advantage for the responsible and distinctive development of community-based tourism.

The Bac Ha market (Lao Cai) is bustling with ethnic colors. Amidst the distinctive sound of the Hmong flute, the applause of tourists is filled with appreciation for the martial arts performance of the Hmong flute by artisan Ly Seo Ho and his students. Artisan Ly Seo Ho (Ban Pho commune, Bac Ha district, Lao Cai) shared: "The Hmong flute martial arts and the coin-shaped flute martial arts are traditional martial arts of the Hmong people from the past, used to fight wild animals and enemies. Today, the artisans have adapted them into unique folk dances for festivals and holidays to attract tourists to the area. This is also a way to adapt cultural activities to suit the times."

Dr. Tran Huu Son, former Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province, said: "Hmong culture is both unified and diverse. It is this unity and ethnic cohesion that has kept the Hmong culture enduring. This characteristic also greatly influences cultural, sports, and tourism activities in areas where the Hmong people live. Therefore, culture must be the foundation for development, and at the same time, the basis for developing tourism and improving the lives of the people themselves."

(According to NDO)

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/16/350007/Dong-bao-Mong-giu-goc-de-vuon-xa.aspx