Preserving M'nong identity, spreading patriotism

The M'nong people not only preserve and pass on traditional cultural values ​​but also associate the preservation of identity with the spirit of patriotic emulation. Thereby, fostering the strength of solidarity, contributing to building an increasingly prosperous homeland.

Artisan Y Lanh performs gongs in a cultural performance for the public

Preserving cultural essence in modern life

Amidst the bustling gong circle in the cultural performance, artisan Y Lanh (Nhan Co commune, Lam Dong province) smiled happily as his hands quickly tapped the gong. The gong's sound was full of vitality, making the whole space light up. For Y Lanh, each performance is not only for fun but also an opportunity to pass on the love of culture, keeping the M'nong identity forever resounding in the great forest.

Mr. Y Lanh shared that since childhood, he has been familiar with the sound of gongs in festivals celebrating new rice, welcoming guests or farewell ceremonies. Growing up, the more attached he is, the more he understands that behind each gong melody is a story, a separate message.

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Every time the gongs resound, I feel like I am talking to my grandparents and ancestors. To me, the gongs are not only the sounds of festivals, but also a sacred connection to my roots.

Mr. Y Lanh confided

Artisan Y Lanh performs a traditional ritual of the M'nong people

Realizing that this heritage is at risk of being lost, Mr. Y Lanh has taught it to the younger generation in the village, because he believes that only that generation can make the gong sound resonate forever in the great forest.

For artisan Y Lanh, preserving national culture is not simply keeping a custom but also love for one's roots, a very simple way of expressing patriotism.

For Mr. Y Lanh, preserving culture is not simply keeping a custom. It is love for one's roots, a very simple way of expressing patriotism. Artisan Y Lanh confided: "Loving one's country is not a big or distant thing. Keeping the gong sound alive, so that our children and grandchildren can know and be proud of it, that is also patriotism."

Pass on the fire to make identity resonate

If Mr. Y Lanh is the one who sows the seeds of love for culture for the young generation, then Meritorious Artisan Thi Ai, Tuy Duc commune, Lam Dong province is the one who diligently lights the fire to keep the M'nong identity always shining in today's life.

Meritorious Artisan Thi Ai teaches gong culture to the young generation

At over 60 years old, Ms. Thi Ai is still agile when holding the gong and entering the dance. Her life story is like that of many other M'nong people, born and raised in a space imbued with the breath of M'nong culture. Since then, Artisan Thi Ai has wished and devoted all her heart to preserving and teaching it to the next generation.

Artisan Thi Ai is the instructor for the Tuy Duc Commune Youth Gong Club.

For nearly 10 years, Ms. Thi Ai has been persistently passing on her valuable knowledge to local youth. When the Tuy Duc Commune Youth Gong Club was established in 2023, Ms. Thi Ai agreed to be the instructor. Under her dedicated guidance, local youth not only learn how to play gongs, weave brocade, and dance folk dances, but also understand the spiritual meaning of each gong beat and each pattern.

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If one day the young generation no longer knows about it, the culture of the M'nong people will be lost. Therefore, every time I can teach someone or preserve something, I feel great happiness and never feel tired.

Meritorious Artisan Thi Ai, Tuy Duc Commune, Lam Dong Province

Ms. Thi Ai's contributions have been recognized with the title of Meritorious Artisan in 2019 and many certificates of merit from local authorities at all levels. But what Ms. Thi Ai cherishes most is seeing young people enthusiastically practicing gongs, enthusiastically weaving, and confidently performing in festivals. That is a great spiritual reward, affirming that their efforts are not in vain.

For Ms. Thi Ai or Mr. Y Lanh, preserving the culture of the M'nong ethnic group is also a way to compete in patriotism. Because in each brocade piece, each gong beat or dance contains the eternal mark of the M'nong ethnic group, a proud contribution to the common treasure of the country. When the identity is preserved, the community will be more united, confident in integrating and building a new life.

Artisans are the "bridges" to keep the M'nong culture from being broken, so that the next generation can receive, nurture and create.

Culture is not only a memory of the past but also a journey connecting the present and the future. Each artisan is a “bridge” to ensure that the M’nong culture is not broken, so that the next generation can receive, nurture and create.

The M'nong people not only persistently preserve and pass on traditional cultural values ​​but also associate the preservation of identity with the spirit of patriotic emulation.

In modern life, cultural identity is both a source of pride and a foundation for sustainable development. Preserving culture means preserving the roots, affirming patriotism through simple but meaningful actions. Thanks to artisans like Mr. Y Lanh or Mrs. Thi Ai who quietly contribute, the gong sounds, brocades, and folk songs of the M'nong people will forever resonate and shine with the great forest.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/gin-giu-ban-sac-m-nong-lan-toa-tinh-than-yeu-nuoc-393047.html