Preserving the soul of national culture

Along with socio-economic development, Thai Nguyen province always prioritizes the preservation, protection, and promotion of the cultural values ​​of ethnic minority communities. This is identified as a key task aimed at building a civilized and modern society, while simultaneously preserving traditional identity, strengthening national unity, unleashing inherent strengths, and creating momentum for sustainable development.

Tắc Xình is a traditional dance of the San Chay ethnic group. In the photo: People from Dong Tam hamlet, Vo Tranh commune, perform the Tắc Xình dance during the harvest festival. Photo courtesy of the organizers.

A colorful "cultural garden"

Thai Nguyen province currently has nearly 1.8 million people, with many ethnic groups living together in 92 communes and wards. Despite facing many difficulties in life, the people of these ethnic groups persistently preserve, maintain, and pass on the unique customs and cultural traditions of their communities.

This is what creates the diversity and richness in the cultural value system, contributing to affirming the unique identity of Thai Nguyen. It can be imagined as a vibrant "cultural garden," stretching from brocade weaving, customs and traditions, folk songs, to traditional festivals bearing the distinct mark of the ethnic groups.

Located at the gateway for economic , cultural, and social exchange with Hanoi and the delta provinces, and also the core of the Viet Bac region, Thai Nguyen has long been a gathering place and resting point for many ethnic groups on their journey to find a peaceful life. The Kinh people from the lowlands, along with the Tay, Nung, Dao, Mong, San Diu, San Chay, Hoa, and many other communities from distant mountain ranges, came to settle and establish villages, creating the appearance of Thai Nguyen's towns and villages today.

Over time, the coexistence of many ethnic groups in the same land and residential area has created an intermingling of cultures and customs.

The intermingling of communities forced the development of a common language to facilitate economic and cultural exchange. This bond was further strengthened through intermarriage between communities, creating generations of children with mixed ancestry, reflecting the blending and development of the diverse culture of Thai Nguyen.

Along with scientific and technological advancements, the process of industrialization and modernization of agriculture and rural areas, the development of market mechanisms and digital technology, social life demands that ethnic minority communities proactively adapt and innovate to integrate into the modern living environment.

The traditional weaving craft of the ethnic minorities in the mountainous regions has been revived and promoted.

However, the reality is that many people from ethnic minorities today no longer know how to use their own languages, and some even no longer wear their traditional clothing. Some ethnic groups have their own writing systems, but very few people know how to read or write them.

Folk songs and dances receive less attention from young people as tastes shift towards modern music. Traditional crafts such as rattan and bamboo weaving, textile weaving, and embroidery are gradually being transformed into more "performance" forms than daily activities. Notably, a segment of officials and the public have not yet fully recognized the role and value of culture and art in the spiritual life of the community.

Many spiritual rituals, which are unique to the ethnic communities, are viewed superficially and dismissed as superstition. Furthermore, some ethnic minority children feel self-conscious at school, hesitant to use their mother tongue or wear traditional clothing.

Restoring the finest aspects of cultural heritage.

To preserve, conserve, and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic minority communities, Thai Nguyen province has been implementing many practical activities. Relevant levels and sectors are proactively collecting and restoring distinctive cultural features, in conjunction with the implementation of Resolution No. 5 (8th Party Congress) on "Building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity"; the Prime Minister's Project on "Preserving and developing the culture of Vietnamese ethnic minorities"; and Resolution No. 7 (9th Party Congress) on "Ethnic affairs".

As a result, the community has developed a more positive awareness, appreciating and valuing the customs, traditions, and unique identity of each ethnic group.

In recent years, the province's functional agencies and units have conducted numerous scientific research projects on preserving, maintaining, and promoting the cultural values ​​of ethnic minority communities. A series of activities to collect, research, and preserve the culture of these communities have been effectively implemented.

"Bowl dance" - a beautiful cultural tradition of the Tay ethnic group, is being preserved and its value promoted.

A highlight of cultural preservation efforts is the implementation of numerous projects on folk songs, folk dances, and folk music throughout the province, through the establishment of cultural and artistic clubs. Notable examples include: the project to reconstruct the Tay ethnic group's wedding ceremony in Lam Vy commune; the harvest prayer ceremony of the San Diu ethnic group in Vo Tranh commune; the coming-of-age ceremony of the Nung Phan Sinh ethnic group in Nam Hoa commune; and the project to preserve and promote the Then, Luon Coi, and Luon Sluong singing traditions among the Tay ethnic group.

In addition, many unique traditional festivals have been revived, meeting the cultural and spiritual needs of the people, such as: the "Love Market" in Xuan Duong commune; the Long Tong Festival in Na Lien Ma, Phu Thong commune; the Mu La Festival in Lung Phac village, Cao Minh commune…

Thanks to the attention of the Party and the State, along with the direct involvement of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the efforts of the people themselves, many intangible cultural values ​​that were once at risk of disappearing have been restored and their original identity preserved.

The unique cultural beauty of each ethnic group is cherished and honored, while outdated customs are gradually eliminated, creating conditions for the dissemination of refined values ​​and meeting the increasingly high cultural needs of ethnic minority communities. This contributes to narrowing the gap in living standards and cultural life between regions and ethnic groups within the province.

Thai Nguyen province currently has nearly 600 intangible cultural heritage sites being preserved, passed down, and promoted by the local people. Among them, one is recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and 45 are recognized at the national level. Notably, the province has 3 People's Artisans and 19 Distinguished Artisans in the field of cultural heritage. They are truly "living treasures," not only preserving the literary and artistic heritage of their people but also wholeheartedly teaching it to future generations so that they can continue and develop it.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202510/giu-hon-van-hoa-dan-toc-5093715/