The Hmong people at the foot of Cum Co mountain

As society develops, the material living standards of the Mong people in My A village, Thu Cuc commune, Tan Son district are also improving. Simultaneously, their spiritual life, reflected in traditional cultural features and strong ethnic identity, continues to be preserved and promoted.

Panoramic view of My A area

Concentrated in the My A area, the Mong ethnic group accounts for only 0.12% of the population in Tan Son district. However, the unique and rich traditional culture of the Mong people remains vibrant and recognizable even to strangers. Through the work of preserving and promoting the cultural values ​​of ethnic groups, the essence of their traditional culture continues to be maintained, preserved, and promoted. In particular, the costumes, language, folk music , festivals, and other cultural aspects of the Mong people are given attention, contributing to raising awareness among the people about the value and importance of preserving traditional cultural values.

Hmong ethnic minority students practice playing Pao throwing in the schoolyard during recess.

According to Mr. Mua A Cang, head of My A hamlet in Thu Cuc commune, Tan Son district: The hamlet has 142 households and over 800 people, of which over 90% are H'Mong ethnic people. The people still preserve some traditional cultural features such as dancing and playing the khene (a type of bamboo flute), leaf trumpets, and some traditional games. During festivals and holidays, My A hamlet organizes activities such as dancing and playing the khene, throwing pao (a traditional game), spinning tops, and archery... Through these activities, they both celebrate and preserve the traditional culture of their ethnic group.

When discussing Hmong culture, one cannot fail to mention their traditional clothing, especially the women's skirts. The vibrant colors and rich, eye-catching patterns sway as the women walk to the market or to the fields. Previously, Hmong women wove and sewed their own clothing; nowadays, they use industrially woven fabrics or can buy ready-made ones, but the methods of creating patterns, embroidering, and decorating with motifs still follow traditional styles. The colors and a touch of innovation further highlight the unique features of this attire. A woman in My A Hmong village said: "If we work diligently, it takes about six months to complete a skirt. Handmade skirts are thicker and heavier, so they are usually worn when going out or attending festivals." Hmong women can all sew their own skirts and blouses...

Mr. Sung A Cau (on the left) and the elders in the village perform playing and dancing with the khene (a type of bamboo flute).

In contrast to the traditional clothing and dresses of the Hmong women, the Hmong flute played by the men produces a deep, warm tone, accompanied by graceful and unique dance movements. According to custom, the Hmong flute is closely linked to the daily life and the lives of the Hmong people. The flute is a unique instrument that expresses spirituality and traditional beliefs, a sacred object in Hmong rituals and festivals. The sound of the flute has become a way for the Hmong to convey and express their thoughts and aspirations. Along with the flute, the Hmong know how to use many other musical instruments; Hmong music, from melody and rhythm to timbre, forms a unified whole, instilling in people a spirit of love for life, unity, and mutual affection.

Mr. Sung A Cau, a respected figure in My A village, shared: "To preserve our ethnic cultural identity, we must pass on what we know to our children and grandchildren. When we get old, they will be the ones to preserve and pass it on. Therefore, during the summer, the elders in the village organize classes to teach the children how to dance and play the Hmong flute so that they can learn and love it. Adults also guide the children on the meaning and how to play traditional Hmong games such as spinning tops, throwing Pao, and shooting crossbows..."

The material and spiritual lives of the Hmong people in My A are improving day by day.

In the valley below the peak of Cum Co, the road to My A has been paved with asphalt and smooth concrete; sturdy houses with corrugated iron roofs are gradually replacing thatched roofs; motorbikes and trucks are replacing horses and buffaloes... On the playground of My A Primary School, students during recess still maintain the traditional culture of the Mong ethnic group by playing Pao throwing and spinning tops...

Thanks to the attention of all levels and sectors, and the awareness of preserving the Mong ethnic group's cultural identity from each individual, family, and clan, the beautiful cultural colors of the Mong people continue to be preserved and developed.

Hoang Giang

Source: https://baophutho.vn/nguoi-mong-duoi-chan-nui-cum-co-223011.htm