In this new phase of development, Dong Nai has the potential to become a model of a modern yet vibrant city, one that develops while preserving its cultural depth. And it is precisely this historical sediment, interwoven cultural currents, and genuine, dynamic, and compassionate people that form the solid foundation for Dong Nai to stand firm and continuously advance in its development journey.
From the open land...
When mentioning Dong Nai in its journey towards becoming a centrally-governed city, the most obvious things are economic growth, increasingly upgraded transportation infrastructure, and modern, green industrial zones... However, if you take a closer look, you'll see that the most valuable aspect of this land lies in its diverse history and culture – something that has been quietly nurtured over centuries.
 |
| A dance performed at the Rain Prayer Festival of the S'tieng ethnic group in Tan Khai commune. Photo: VNA. |
From very early times, Dong Nai has been an open land. During the southward migration of the Vietnamese people, it became a stopping point and a meeting place for many different groups of people. Along with this, indigenous communities, who have lived there for generations, possess a rich and distinctive cultural heritage, forming a space of cultural exchange – where each element retains its unique characteristics while blending into the overall whole. Each generation that arrived left its mark like layers of sediment silently piling up, creating a rare cultural depth.
Historical records show that the journey of expanding southward reveals that Dong Nai not only boasts "white rice and clear water," but also demonstrates how generations of people overcame challenges and hardships to develop this strategically advantageous land. These were the people who faced dangers like crocodiles in the rivers and tigers in the forests, and then worked diligently to build and develop the economy, ensure social welfare, and maintain security and order, shaping Dong Nai into the province it is today.
According to Nguyen Khac Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dong Nai's culture also stems from its geographical location. It is a transitional region between the Central Highlands, the Southeast, and the Southwest, possessing unique characteristics. As an open land, Dong Nai has brought together many communities throughout different historical periods. These diverse cultures are unified, with intermingling between regions and cultural flows. This contributes to the dynamism, camaraderie, and harmony of Dong Nai's culture and people.
Blessed with numerous advantages in geographical location and a mild climate, Dong Nai, a land of opportunity, continues to welcome workers from all over the country to live and work there during this period of integration and development. They come and stay in Dong Nai, bringing with them customs, traditions, cuisine, and traditional crafts, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry.
Developing a culture of appropriate stature.
Amidst the impending changes, as Dong Nai stands on the threshold of becoming a centrally-governed city, the question arises: how can we move faster without losing our identity? As urban space expands, core cultural values must also be preserved and promoted. Along with economic growth, culture must also develop to a commensurate level. That is when Dong Nai truly takes on the appearance of a modern city, yet remains recognizable – not only by new constructions but also by a deeply familiar identity.
 |
| Tourists choose to buy Tran Trieu pomelos - a specialty of Dong Nai province - at Bien Hoa market. Photo: Nhat Ha. |
According to Dr. Nguyen Van Quyet, a cultural expert, cultural values don't lie in grand gestures but rather in everyday life. These include eating habits, clothing styles, greetings, customs, and ways of living. As urbanization expands, these seemingly small things are most easily forgotten. Therefore, one of the ways to preserve culture is to start with daily life. We need to encourage young people to understand and continue traditional ways of living, so that culture isn't "museumized" but is preserved in the hearts and minds of each individual.
Cultural identity is not something that exists only in memories. Therefore, despite material changes, culture lives on in the way the people of Dong Nai preserve traditional dishes, historical sites, festivals, and in the way they tell stories about the land they live on to future generations. Ultimately, a great city is not measured solely by growth figures or massive constructions, but also by the depth of its culture and community memory. It is this that will create a Dong Nai that is both innovative and sustainable – a place where the past and the future can coexist.
While southern Dong Nai is characterized by urbanization and industrial development, strong cultural exchange, and continuous innovation, the northern localities of the province stand out with the lifestyles of ethnic minority communities such as the S'tieng, Choro, and M'nong, whose cultural values have been preserved through many generations.
The more the economy develops, the more the cultural foundation must be nurtured and preserved. According to Nguyen Khac Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dong Nai's elevation to a centrally-governed city is an opportunity to preserve, enhance, and promote local cultural values. In this context, it is even more crucial to firmly and deeply embrace the principle of preserving culture as a central focus, thereby continuing to plan and develop culture; and simultaneously building and spreading the values of the people of Dong Nai in the future.
Expecting significant changes in cultural life when Dong Nai becomes a centrally-governed city, Ms. Thuc Ngan (from Tran Bien ward) believes that it is not only necessary to have more vibrant and practical cultural spaces, institutions, and activities to serve the people, but also to focus on reviving the beautiful cultural aspects in the lives of Dong Nai people so that culture can develop to match the standards of a modern, livable city in the future.
Nhat Ha
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202604/giu-ban-sac-cho-do-thi-tuong-lai-9fc0f25/
Comment (0)