Preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Dao ethnic group

Van Son Ward has 6 ethnic groups living together, of which the Dao ethnic group accounts for more than 12% of the population, with about more than 2,000 people, living mainly in Pieng Sang, Lien Hop and 83 residential groups. The Dao ethnic group here always preserves the unique traditional cultural features of the ethnic group associated with tourism development, contributing to enriching the cultural and spiritual life of the locality.

The art troupe of Pieng Sang residential group, Van Son ward performed the bell dance at the Ethnic Culture Festival.

The Pieng Sang residential group's art troupe gathers nearly 20 members of different ages. Every week, they gather at the village's cultural house to practice performing typical bell dances, Dao singing, and reenacting rituals such as the title ceremony, praying for harvest, etc. Ms. Trieu Thi Huong, the group's art troupe's team leader, shared: We regularly connect with local art troupes and event organizers, actively participate in local cultural events, creating opportunities for members to exchange and learn. In recent years, the team has been honored to be selected to perform for tourists on weekends at Moc Chau Walking Street and participate in cultural and tourism events of the province.

One of the festivals preserved and promoted by the Dao ethnic group here is the Pung Hieng festival of the Dao Tien people, which has been included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This is a traditional ceremony that is held periodically by clans every 3-4 years, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. Mr. Ly Trong Sinh, Lien Hop residential group, Van Son ward, said: Pung Hieng festival is the biggest ceremony of the Dao Tien people, has an important meaning, especially in the beliefs of the ethnic group, promoting the role of the clan leader and helping to unite members of the clan and community. To organize Pung Hieng, clan members will contribute rice, wine, meat, prepare and organize a neat and thoughtful festival to thank ancestors, gods and pray for good crops and blessings for the new year. The restoration and preservation of festivals also contributes to guiding the community to preserve identity and develop the nation's fine traditional culture associated with sustainable tourism development.

Performance of Pung Hieng festival of Dao Tien people.

In recent years, the Party Committee and the government of Van Son ward have promoted propaganda and mobilized people of all ethnic groups in general, and the Dao ethnic group in particular, to actively participate in preserving and conserving traditional cultural values; effectively implementing the contents of Project 6 under the National Target Program on socio -economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas in the period of 2021-2030; promoting the role of folk artists in teaching and preserving, while mobilizing investment resources, upgrading cultural institutions, and supporting people in villages in teaching, practicing, and performing activities. Coordinate with experts to organize surveys, research, and describe festivals and develop a plan to organize performances to recreate and preserve the Pung Hieng festival of the Tien Dao people...

Practice session of the Art Team of Pieng Sang residential group, Van Son ward.

Ms. Pham Hoai Thu, Head of the Department of Culture and Society of Van Son Ward, informed: In order to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic groups, including the Dao ethnic group, the ward has organized classes to teach traditional cultural features, such as embroidery, antiphonal singing, cap sac... and through community cultural activities during holidays, New Year; cultural and sports festivals of ethnic groups... In addition, educational institutions in the area also include teaching local education programs; organize extracurricular programs "Preserving the cultural identity of ethnic groups"; wear ethnic costumes at the beginning of the week and on holidays during the school year. Thereby, helping children raise awareness of preserving, conserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups.

In the current flow, preserving and promoting the cultural values ​​of the Dao ethnic group not only contributes to improving the spiritual and cultural life, but also serves as a foundation for developing community tourism. Thereby contributing to bringing the culture of ethnic groups to tourists, creating sustainable livelihoods for the people.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/giu-gin-va-phat-huy-ban-sac-van-hoa-dan-toc-dao-JNWFSQ6NR.html