The large turnout of people, from teenagers to the elderly, not only made the atmosphere more vibrant but also served as vivid evidence of community solidarity. Regardless of age or gender, everyone transformed into a true player, giving their all with each throw, each tug-of-war, and each burst of joy when they hit a prize while blindfolded.
Mr. Lam Phet, representative of the Management Board of Soc Lon Pagoda, Loc Khanh commune, Loc Ninh district, shared: “This year, during the Chol Chnam Thmay Tet festival, on behalf of the Management Board and the village elders, I call on the people to gather at the pagoda not only to offer prayers but also to participate in traditional folk games such as tug-of-war, sack race, hide-and-seek, blindfolded gift-smashing, ongkunh, cho chhung… This is an opportunity for everyone to meet, interact, and together preserve the cultural identity of the Khmer ethnic group, creating a warm and lively Tet atmosphere.”
Ms. Thi Anh, from Soc Lon hamlet, emotionally said: “On the last day of Tet, everyone went to the temple, from children to the elderly, to sing, dance, and participate in folk games with great enthusiasm. Everyone was happy, without any shyness or discrimination. I hope that in the new year, everyone will always be healthy and continue to preserve and spread the precious cultural values of the Khmer people.”
The atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in Khmer villages is not only a time for family reunions but also a "living school" for the younger generation to learn about, appreciate, and love their traditional culture even more. Each folk game is not simply a fun activity, but a thread connecting the past and present, a way for grandparents and parents to "pass on the flame" to their children and grandchildren through laughter, handshakes, and spirited throws in the temple courtyard. Thi Be, from Soc Lon hamlet, shared her joy: "During Tet, I got to play the games of bo ongkunh and cho chhung with my friends and aunts and uncles in the hamlet. Through these games, I understand more about the folk culture of my people and feel proud to be Khmer."
The Khmer people sit in a circle playing hide-and-seek with a handkerchief.
It's not just the younger generation; elderly people also see Tet (Lunar New Year) as a precious opportunity to have fun with their children and grandchildren, continuing the tradition. Mrs. Thi K. Hach, from Cha La hamlet, said: "During the Tet holidays, meeting my children and grandchildren and participating in folk games makes me very happy! I hope that next year, our community will be even larger and we'll have an even more joyful reunion."
These seemingly simple activities carry profound meaning in terms of community cohesion and fostering national spirit. Mr. Lam Tich, from Soc Lon hamlet, commented: "Seeing the elders and young people dancing, singing, and playing together during Tet (Lunar New Year), I feel a great sense of unity. These folk games are not only a source of joy but also a part of the cultural essence passed down from our ancestors. I hope the Khmer people will always preserve and promote these beautiful traditions in modern life."
The preservation of traditional games by the Khmer people in Loc Khanh commune is a vivid testament to their love for their culture. If each Chol Chnam Thmay season is filled with laughter, camaraderie, and folk culture, then this is how traditions continue to be maintained and spread in the social life of the Khmer people, contributing to enriching their national cultural traditions.
Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/19/171681/giu-van-hoa-khmer-qua-tro-choi-dan-gian
Comment (0)