
Each village in the highlands of Tra My, whether inhabited by the Co or Ca Dong people, possesses its own unique characteristics linked to the terrain and long-standing customs. From the villages of Xơ Rơ, Tam Lang, Khe Dưng (Tra Doc commune) to Boa and Đá Đen (Tra Giap commune) of the Ca Dong people; or Gạch, Tak Nu (Tra Lien commune), Xà Nu, and Suối Riêng (Tra Giap commune) of the Co people, all contribute to a rich and unique cultural tapestry.
During the years of resistance against foreign invaders, these villages became resilient fortresses. Their tactics, ranging from spears and lances to snares, rope traps, and mountain rocks, struck fear into the hearts of the enemy, demonstrating their unwavering determination to defend their villages and lands.
Once their villages were firmly established, the Co and Ca Dong people diligently nurtured their spiritual and cultural lives. They believe that every water trough at the edge of the village, every ancient cinnamon tree, is protected by a spirit. They also created unique musical instruments such as stone xylophones and leaf horns from their own labor and production, transforming the sounds of the mountains and forests into the voice of their people.
Elder Ho Van Dinh of Tam Lang village proudly shared that his villagers still preserve the essence of the Ca Dong people through cinnamon cultivation, rice farming, and forest conservation. Since the arrival of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the people have wholeheartedly followed the revolution, adopting the surname Ho to express their profound gratitude. In Lang Gach hamlet (Tra Lien), elder Dinh Van Hai also recounted the tradition of the Co people adopting the surnames of leaders and heroes.

The most valuable aspect of contemporary cultural life is the spirit of "separating the good from the bad." In villages like Lang Gach and Lang Boa, cumbersome and costly customs such as the sacrificial buffalo sacrifice have been limited and are now only performed symbolically. Elder Nguyen Van Dong of Lang Boa (Tra Giap) believes that the villagers owe a debt of gratitude to the Boa stream and the mountain, and therefore constantly reminds each other to protect the forest and water sources.
He asserted, "In mountainous areas, deforestation will bring retaliatory karma from the mountains and animals, and natural disasters like landslides will come very quickly." Therefore, the Ca Dong and Co people today have simplified funeral rituals and long periods of abstinence so that children have time to go to school, adults have time to work in the fields tending to crops and livestock, and together build a civilized life.
The journey of establishing villages, starting from those footsteps of yesteryear, has now blossomed on fragrant cinnamon hills and in prosperous, happy villages. The sounds of gongs, drums, and ancient prayers still echo across the hillsides, calling forth the light from hydroelectric dams that illuminate the fields and farms...
Source: https://baodanang.vn/lang-cua-nguoi-vung-tra-my-3335700.html







