Cooperatives contribute to preserving traditional culture

Previously, people often had to rent traditional costumes of the San Chay ethnic group. Now, the Dong Tien Village Agricultural and Community Tourism Cooperative has made them themselves to serve the needs of local people.

Dong Tien Hamlet currently has about 160 households with nearly 500 people, of which San Chay people account for more than 80%. The San Chay people here have preserved a unique traditional cultural treasure, expressed through traditional stilt house architecture, ethnic costumes, dances, and songs with their own unique identity.

However, in the hustle and bustle of modern life, these traditional cultural values are gradually being affected and are at risk of being lost. What is worrying is that the younger generation, who are expected to continue and preserve the national identity, are increasingly indifferent to the cultural heritage of their ancestors.

Concerned with the above situation, in 2024, after the Dong Tien hamlet agricultural and community tourism cooperative was established, in addition to developing the main industry of producing herbal pillows and growing and processing medicinal plants, the cooperative also actively promoted cultural preservation activities, promoting the traditional cultural values of the San Chay ethnic group.

Receiving us in the traditional stilt house, Ms. Hoang Thi Hang, Director of the Cooperative shared: As a daughter of the San Chay ethnic group, I cannot help but worry when I see many people, especially the young people in the village, only know about traditional costumes, the Tac Xinh dance or the Sang Co melody through books, television or social networks. Stemming from the desire to revive and preserve these cultural values that are gradually fading, I and other enthusiastic people in the village established the Cooperative to combine economic development and preserving the traditional culture of our ethnic people.

Immediately after its operation, the members of the cooperative began to research and collect traditional costumes of the local San Chay people. From the remaining memories of the elderly in the village and the remaining costumes, the cooperative has recreated the images of the typical costumes that were once associated with the daily life and festivals of the community.

Ms. Hau Thi Cuong, a member of the cooperative, said: We have proactively sought to buy suitable brocade fabrics from other localities, then cut, sew, and embroider them into traditional costumes of San Chay ethnic men and women, from dresses, head scarves, to belts, side bags...

Up to now, the cooperative has sewn dozens of traditional costumes for cultural performances, community activities and welcoming tourists. These costumes not only contribute to reviving the cultural image of the San Chay ethnic group but also become the pride of the villagers when worn at important events.

Dong Tien Village Agricultural and Community Tourism Cooperative regularly participates in activities to promote products and introduce unique cultural values of the San Chay ethnic group to tourists.

Along with the restoration of costumes, the cooperative also cooperated with local people to establish Sang Co singing and Tac Xinh dancing clubs, two typical folk art forms closely associated with the spiritual life of the San Chay people. The club's activities not only help members review the lyrics and dance movements, but also provide an opportunity for the younger generation to interact, learn, and gradually become familiar with the cultural heritage of their own people.

Recently, the club has actively participated in performing at local cultural events, welcoming tourists to experience and exchange with some other localities in and outside the district. Along with that, the club also actively introduces and teaches to students in the commune.

Mr. Hoang Van Doan, Head of Dong Tien Hamlet, said: The cultural teaching sessions of the San Chay ethnic group to children are very practical and meaningful. Children not only have access to traditional culture but also learn the love and responsibility to preserve heritage from their predecessors.

With the determination and efforts of its members, after less than two years of operation, the Dong Tien hamlet agricultural and community tourism cooperative has gradually restored and revived the unique cultural values of the San Chay ethnic group. This initial success not only contributes to preserving traditional identity but also creates an important foundation for the cooperative to develop community tourism in a sustainable direction.

Sharing about the upcoming orientation, Ms. Hoang Thi Hang, Director of the Cooperative said: In the coming time, in addition to expanding the production of products from medicinal plants, we will strengthen connections with travel agencies to build tours and routes to attract tourists to visit and experience...

Currently, Dong Tien hamlet’s agricultural and community tourism cooperative is maintaining the production of more than 1 hectare of medicinal plants. On average, each month, the cooperative sells about 200 herbal pillows and some other products from medicinal plants, bringing in revenue of nearly 40 million VND/month.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202506/hop-tac-xa-gop-phan-bao-ton-van-hoa-truyen-thong-fba0211/