A person passionate about Muong culture.

Driven by love and a sense of responsibility in preserving traditional identity, Ms. Quách Thị Đa (of the Muong ethnic group), from Đồng Đa village, Cẩm Ngọc commune, actively participates in activities to safeguard and promote traditional cultural values, including the art of gong performance. Her meaningful actions have spread love and awakened a sense of responsibility in the younger generation towards their ancestral culture.

Ms. Quách Thị Đa (center), from Đồng Lão village, Cẩm Thủy commune, is always dedicated to preserving the cultural identity of the Mường people.

Upon arriving at Dong Da village and asking for directions to Mrs. Quach Thi Da's house, everyone knew and kindly showed us the way. Seeing us enter, she temporarily set aside her work and warmly welcomed us. While pouring water, she told us about her deep love for the art of gong performance. Through her story, we learned that she was born into a family rich in cultural traditions. Her father, Mr. Quach Van Co, was one of the pioneers and made significant contributions to the gong movement in the former Cam Thuy district. Having accompanied her father to performances and learned how to play the gong from a young age, the resonant sound of the gongs had deeply permeated her soul.

After graduating from high school in 1977, Ms. Da was admitted to Thanh Hoa High School of Culture and Arts. Upon completing her studies, she was assigned to work at the Culture and Information Department of Cam Thuy District. There, she had many opportunities to teach the art of gong performance to the younger generation in various communes. Every week, during her free time, she proactively visited many villages to teach people how to play the gongs. With perseverance and dedication, she directly guided many people on how to hold the mallets, feel the rhythm, and coordinate the sounds. To date, she has trained over 200 students, many of whom have become exemplary cultural figures, making significant contributions to the development of the mass art movement. In addition, Ms. Da has devoted much effort to teaching gong playing techniques to clubs in Cam Thach, Cam Tu, and Cam Thuy communes, helping teams achieve high results in competitions both within and outside the province.

In 2015, despite retiring according to state regulations, Ms. Quach Thi Da continued to contribute to local cultural activities. She devoted much time and effort to teaching the art of playing gongs and drums to the younger generation.

Ms. Quách Thị Tuyết, from Đồng Lão village (Cẩm Ngọc commune) - one of those taught how to play the gong by Ms. Đa, said: "Thanks to Ms. Đa's dedicated guidance, I have learned to play the gong. Every time I immerse myself in the sound of the gong, listening to the sounds that are sometimes deep and sometimes lively, I feel joyful and love my ethnic identity even more. I will try my best to practice well and actively participate in the village's cultural and artistic activities so as not to disappoint Ms. Đa's efforts in teaching me."

Even now, at nearly 70 years old, Mrs. Da remains enthusiastic about participating in local cultural and artistic activities and passing on her knowledge to the younger generation in the commune. She actively participates in the Dong Lao Village Gong Club, teaching gong playing techniques, folk songs, lullabies, and staging numerous performances for the club to serve the local political agenda and participate in competitions and festivals.

“I have been involved with gongs and drums for over half a century. For me, the sound of gongs and drums is the soul, the sacred cultural identity that our ancestors painstakingly left behind. Therefore, as long as I have the health, I will continue to participate in activities to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the Muong people in general and perform gong and drum music in particular,” shared Ms. Quach Thi Da.

Ms. Phung Thi Tuan, Head of Dong Lao village (Cam Ngoc commune), said: "Despite her advanced age and declining health, Ms. Da is always enthusiastic about community work, especially local cultural and artistic activities. Whether it's raining or sunny, whenever Dong Lao village needs someone to guide rehearsals, she is always happy to help. Her meaningful actions have significantly contributed to preserving and promoting the Muong cultural identity. Ms. Da is a shining example of the spirit of 'the older the age, the stronger the will' for everyone to learn from."

Text and photos: Hai Anh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nguoi-tam-huyet-voi-van-hoa-muong-288659.htm