The Dao people of Luong Thinh preserve their cultural identity.

Today, Luong Thinh commune is adorned with a new garment of prosperity and abundance, along with the traditional beauty that the Dao ethnic people here cherish as treasures. Particularly in Vuc Tron and Khe Lua villages, the Dao Nôm script, prayers, and sacred rituals are still passed down through many generations.

The village of Vực Tròn has 93 households, of which 85 are Dao Quần Chẹt people. Here, it's easy to spot elderly people weaving chicken cages, women in indigo clothing nimbly working at their looms, and children happily attending Dao Nôm script classes.

When discussing the preservation of the local culture, it's impossible not to mention artisan Trieu Quy Tin – a leading figure in preserving the language, writing system, and customs of the Dao Quan Chet ethnic group.

In his simple yet tidy stilt house, artisan Trieu Quy Tin carefully turns the pages of ancient books. The graceful, flowing Dao Nôm script appears like streams flowing underground in the mountains, silent but full of life.

With bright eyes behind his white glasses, he recounted his journey in preserving his ethnic heritage: “In 2000, I had the good fortune to meet Mr. Ly Tien Tho in Khe Lua village. He is a living treasure of the Dao Quan Chet language and writing system. I was fascinated by his teachings. Later, I even attended a Dao language training course at Hong Duc University ( Thanh Hoa ) to gain more accurate knowledge.”

Pausing, Mr. Tin gently stroked the pages of the book with his thin hand, his eyes distant yet warm. Thanks to that passion, he has become a "torch" illuminating knowledge and love for national culture for the younger generation.

He opened a class to teach the Dao Nôm script right in his home, diligently teaching each character, pronunciation, reading, and even how to perform traditional rituals.

Mr. Trieu Duc Ha, a student of Mr. Tin, shared: “Learning the Dao Nôm script and traditional rituals is not easy at all. Although I speak the Dao language fluently, learning the script and understanding the prayers requires perseverance and genuine passion. But thanks to Mr. Tin, I have been able to appreciate the beauty and depth of my ethnic culture.”

Besides teaching literacy, artisan Trieu Quy Tin also copied and compiled ancient books, including a nine-volume set of materials on teaching the Vietnamese Dao Nôm script, which was approved and widely circulated by the Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee. These books not only record knowledge but also contain his passion and concerns for the enduring preservation of Dao culture.

Besides artisan Trieu Quy Tin, in Khe Lua village, Luong Thinh commune, there is another "flame" burning brightly: artisan Trieu Tai Thang - an outstanding student of Mr. Trieu Quy Tin. In his wooden house, fragrant with the scent of incense, Mr. Thang flips through old records, ancient poems, and prayers written in Dao Nôm script.

His voice was slow and deliberate: "National culture is not only about language, customs, and traditions, but also about the soul and essence of our rituals and customs. I consider learning and teaching these rituals a great responsibility."

With knowledge accumulated from elders and a passion for research, Mr. Thang has become a "master" in important rituals such as: initiation ceremonies, tomb-worshiping ceremonies, ancestral worship ceremonies, and New Year's dances... He is trusted and relied upon by the people in all important matters. In 2024, he was honored to be awarded the title of Provincial-level Intangible Cultural Heritage Artisan by the Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Bai province (formerly).

Not only did he keep it to himself, Mr. Thang also actively opened classes to teach the Dao Nôm script and passed on rituals to the youth in the commune. On moonlit nights, by the fire in the stilt house, the elderly and young alike would learn the script and listen to him tell old stories. The Dao language echoed in the night like the music of the mountains and forests, both simple and sacred.

Thanks to these persistent efforts, in Vuc Tron and Khe Lua villages, the Dao language is not only used in daily communication but also resonates in village meetings and festivals. Dao Nôm script classes are regularly held every year, each class having dozens of students of all ages. The material and spiritual lives of the people here are increasingly improving.

To date, 100% of households in Vuc Tron have achieved the title of "Culturally Advanced Family," with an average per capita income of 55 million VND/year; the village was recognized as a "Model New Rural Village" in 2023. Notably, in festivals, weddings, and funerals, the Dao people of Luong Thinh have gradually eliminated outdated customs. Instead, they embrace simplicity and solemnity while retaining their strong ethnic identity. Traditional rituals are being restored in accordance with their positive and humane spirit.

Only by visiting Luong Thinh can one truly understand the saying: "As long as the nation remains, the culture remains; as long as the culture remains, the nation will endure." Amidst the changes of the times, the flame of preserving national identity still burns brightly here.

Artisans Trieu Quy Tin, Trieu Tai Thang, and the Dao people here are still diligently gathering and illuminating the essence of their ethnic culture, passing it on to the younger generation. They not only preserve their language, writing system, and rituals, but also their pride and self-respect.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nguoi-dao-luong-thinh-giu-gin-ban-sac-post648913.html