Preserving the cultural heritage of Thai Mai Chau

The Thai people are the most numerous indigenous ethnic group in Mai Chau, now encompassing the communes of Mai Chau, Bao La, Mai Ha, and Tan Mai. Within this "common home" of ethnic groups, the Thai people of Mai Chau contribute their unique characteristics, creating a vibrant and diverse ethnic landscape.

According to Mr. Ha Hien Nhien from Mai Chau commune, the natural beauty, hilly terrain, and abundant water resources are the reasons why the Thai people settled in Mai Chau. They usually live in concentrated villages along streams, where conditions are favorable for livestock farming and agriculture. In terms of customs, the Thai people of Mai Chau typically live in stilt houses, built of wood and bamboo, with thatched roofs made of palm leaves, harmonizing with the surrounding natural landscape. Rice cultivation, fruit tree planting, and livestock raising are the main economic activities of the people.

Thousands of locals and tourists participated in and experienced traditional rituals at the Xên Bản and Xên Mường festivals of the Thai people in Mai Châu.

In recent years, besides agricultural production, many households in Mai Chau have shifted towards tourism and opened homestays to serve tourists. Villages such as Ban Lac, Pom Coong, Hich, Buoc... have become popular destinations thanks to their preservation of unique traditional cultural values, featuring traditional stilt houses and lush green spaces. Tourism not only generates income but also helps preserve and introduce the traditional culture of the Thai people to visitors.

Furthermore, brocade weaving is an indispensable part of the community life of the Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau. They have preserved and passed down this art through many generations, making a significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of their cultural identity. Thai traditional clothing is one of their most distinctive features, woven from brocade fabric by Thai women in Mai Chau. Men's clothing is typically simple, with colors close to nature and the surrounding environment. They don't demand flashy or elaborate designs, prioritizing practicality and comfort in all activities. Women's clothing, on the other hand, features unique decorative patterns, expressing rich natural symbols such as forests, mountains, birds, plants, and the sun. In particular, the details on the belts and scarves are meticulously handcrafted, creating a unique and captivating touch to the attire.

Nowadays, wearing traditional clothing daily has gradually decreased, but on special occasions such as the Lunar New Year, traditional festivals, and celebrations of major holidays throughout the year, the Thai people of Mai Chau still proudly wear traditional attire as a way to maintain and preserve their cultural heritage, expressing their love and pride in their origins and ethnic identity. In conjunction with tourism development, the Thai people of Mai Chau also perform traditional arts and showcase their traditional costumes to entertain visitors, conveying the cultural and historical messages of the Thai people to tourists in a vivid and authentic way.

The Thai people of Mai Chau also preserve unique festivals, often associated with harvest seasons or rituals honoring deities, attracting the participation of locals and welcoming tourists to join and experience them. Particularly noteworthy is the "Xen Ban, Xen Muong" festival, which signifies prayers for peace and a bountiful harvest, featuring many unique religious rituals and diverse recreational activities.

The distinctive and appealing cuisine of the Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau is introduced and promoted to domestic and international tourists.

One of the positive aspects of the region, leaving a good impression on tourists, is the friendly and hospitable nature of the Thai people of Mai Chau. Ms. Nguyen Chau Anh, a member of a tour group from Hanoi, shared: "During our stay in Lac and Van villages, we were warmly welcomed and felt the warmth of human kindness. There was no haggling or price gouging; the locals were always friendly and dedicated to serving us, making us feel comfortable and satisfied."

According to Mr. Lo Van Luan, a respected figure in Mai Chau commune, cultural preservation is being carried out by the Thai community in Mai Chau through the integration of traditional values ​​with tourism development. From this, customs, traditions, and cultural beauties such as stilt houses, costumes, cuisine, Xoe dance art, Keng Loong performance, etc., are preserved and promoted, creating a unique and attractive cultural experience.

Bui Minh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/giu-mach-nguon-van-hoa-thai-mai-chau-242035.htm