Affection in Khmer ethnic neighborhood

Ms. Thi Nhu and her husband preserve and develop the traditional craft of making clay pots. Photo: THU OANH

Taking us to visit Khmer households in the hamlet, Ms. Hoang Thi Tuyet Ni - Deputy Head of the hamlet, Head of the Women's Association of Hon Queo hamlet told us clearly about the life and changes of the people over the past 20 years. Ms. Ni is from the Central region, in 2004 she married Mr. Tran Phuoc Sinh - a Khmer ethnic living in Hon Queo hamlet. As a daughter-in-law of Hon, she gradually became a bridge connecting Kinh and Khmer people, understanding the customs and practices of the people, especially in propaganda and mobilization work.

Hon Queo Hamlet currently has 613 households, of which 228 are Khmer. Talking about the 5m wide concrete road, people said that more than 10 years ago, the road was muddy and difficult for vehicles to travel. Thanks to the State's investment in construction, the road is now clean, beautiful, convenient for travel, connecting the traffic of the 3 islands: Hon Dat - Hon Me - Hon Queo. Electricity and clean water have been invested, currently about 300 households in the hamlet have tap water for daily use.

Turning on the tap, cool water flows out, Ms. Thi Nhu, a resident of Hon Queo hamlet happily said: "For the past 2 years, there has been tap water, daily activities are very convenient, washing and cooking are easier. People are happy because life is getting better, roads and houses are spacious."

Thi Nhu and her husband are both Khmer. In addition to producing more than 20 hectares of rice, Danh Ha - Nhu's husband also helps his wife make clay pots. This is a traditional craft that has been preserved for many generations. Nhu said: "The craft of making pots was passed down from my grandmother. The clay must be mixed in the right ratio of 70% sandy clay and 30% soft clay, kneaded thoroughly, then molded, the mouth stretched, dried in the sun, the sides formed, the bottom of the pot, then baked in a red fire to create a strong, durable pot."

Currently, Hon Queo hamlet has 9 households making clay pots. Each pot sells for 20,000 - 50,000 VND depending on the size, with a profit of about 3,000 - 10,000 VND. Although the income is not high, people are happy to keep the traditional profession, contributing to preserving the soul of the countryside. Clay pots are not only present in the kitchen but are also favored by eateries and restaurants to cook rice, make grilled chicken, preserving the flavor of the homeland.

Not only preserving traditional occupations, Khmer people in Hon Dat commune also actively develop a diversified economy such as growing rice, raising shrimp, growing Hoa Loc mango, and Keo mango, creating a stable source of income. Many families raise their children to study well, becoming officials and teachers to serve their homeland. Ms. Danh Thi My Hang, residing in Hon Queo hamlet, shared: "My life is still difficult, so I try to raise my children to study properly, hoping that they will have a better life."

The whole Hon Dat commune has more than 61,000 people, of which the Khmer people account for 14.4%, most of whom live on farming. Chairman of the People's Committee of Hon Dat commune Pham Thu Thuy said that thanks to the attention of all levels, the lives of the Khmer people have been increasingly improved, and their cultural identity has been preserved and promoted. "However, there are still some households facing difficulties in life. The commune always pays attention to ethnic and religious affairs, effectively implementing the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. We regularly visit and give gifts on holidays and Tet; encourage people to unite and compete in labor, both developing the economy and preserving and spreading the traditional cultural values of the Khmer people," said Ms. Thuy.

Leaving Hon Dat, we carried with us a feeling of warmth and familiarity. Among the houses clustered around Hon mountain, the Khmer people still maintain their affectionate, simple, hard-working lifestyle, building a new life.

THU OANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nghia-tinh-o-xom-dong-bao-khmer-a467074.html