Preserving the "Muong culture" in Cam Tu

Throughout their formation and development, the Muong ethnic people of Cam Tu commune have created a treasure trove of incredibly diverse and unique cultural heritage, including customs, traditions, beliefs, cuisine, and festivals. Through the passage of time and the ups and downs of history, these beautiful cultural aspects have been preserved and promoted, contributing to the unique value of this land.

The Cam Luong Sacred Fish Stream Opening Ceremony - a beautiful cultural feature of the Muong people in Luong Ngoc village (Cam Tu commune).

Luong Ngoc village has long been famous not only for the Cam Luong sacred fish stream tourist area, but also for preserving the beautiful cultural features of the Muong ethnic group in their daily lives. Mr. Pham Cong Bang, a knowledgeable expert on the Muong people's cultural identity in the village, said that the Muong people still maintain a rich cultural heritage with many genres such as poetry, chants, folk tales, and musical instruments like gongs, two-stringed fiddles, flutes, and drums... In particular, the village has established a gong club attracting 18 members who are passionate about and knowledgeable in playing gongs.

“Gongs are indispensable at most festivals, traditional New Year celebrations, weddings, and other occasions. Therefore, for many years, along with preserving rare gong sets, members of the village's gong club have continuously strived to practice and teach the younger generation how to play the gongs correctly, preserving traditional gong music. At the same time, they actively perform for the people and tourists at the Cam Luong Sacred Fish Stream Tourist Area,” Mr. Bang said.

Besides cultural activities within the community, the religious life of the villagers is also incredibly rich, most notably the preservation and organization of the annual Cam Luong Sacred Fish Stream Opening Ceremony (on the 8th day of the first lunar month). This festival is associated with the sacred fish stream and the legend of the village's founding, as well as commemorating the snake god who saved the villagers from danger, bestowing a cool stream and clean water for daily life and ensuring bountiful harvests. In addition to the sacred rituals, the villagers also organize a festive part with many cultural and sporting activities reflecting the unique identity of the Muong people, such as bamboo pole dancing, gong and drum playing, throwing the "con" (a type of ball), tug-of-war, etc.

Thai Hoc village, where 90% of the population are Muong ethnic people, has actively promoted the preservation of Muong culture in modern life. To ensure its continued flourishing, the village has encouraged elders and knowledgeable individuals to pass on the beautiful aspects of their ethnic group to the younger generation, from their language and clothing to folk songs, ritual singing, bamboo pole dancing, and gong playing. Simultaneously, they have encouraged residents to regularly wear traditional clothing and participate in folk games such as crossbow shooting, stick pushing, throwing the ball, and swinging during community cultural events. Thanks to effective communication and the organization of numerous cultural and artistic activities reflecting the traditional culture of the Muong people, the village's "All People United in Building a Culturally Rich Life" movement has flourished. The material and spiritual lives of the people have improved, and the percentage of families achieving the "Culturally Rich Family" title consistently exceeds 90%.

Mr. Phung The Tai, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Cam Tu Commune People's Committee, said: "With 70% of the population being Muong ethnic people, the commune has always identified preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic people as the driving force for the development of tourism and socio -economic development of the locality. The commune has implemented many flexible and effective approaches such as encouraging villages to establish folk art teams and clubs; mobilizing village elders and artisans knowledgeable in Muong culture to actively teach the language and folk songs to the younger generation; organizing festivals and cultural exchange activities... to promote the beautiful traditional cultural values ​​of the Muong ethnic people, contributing to community cohesion and enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the local people. At the same time, the commune also strengthens the organization of cultural and tourism events associated with preserving the traditional beauty of the Muong ethnic people at the Cam Luong Sacred Fish Stream Tourist Area to create a highlight to attract visitors and experiences."

With their richness, diversity, uniqueness, and flexible approach, the "Muong customs" in Cam Tu commune will continue to be preserved, promoted, and spread, contributing to enriching the nation's cultural heritage in modern life.

Text and photos: Nguyen Dat

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/gin-giu-net-muong-nbsp-o-cam-tu-286765.htm