Ta Oi girls with threads used to create Zèng fabric. Photo: Duc Hieu.

The Colors of Spring Festival

From early morning, crowds flocked to the Ethnic Minority Cultural Village in Hong Thuong commune. Along the road leading to the center, the sight of people in traditional costumes, including the graceful Zèng ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), brightened the entire area. Stalls displaying agricultural products and local specialties attracted visitors for sightseeing and shopping. This was not only an opportunity to showcase local products but also a chance for the people to increase their income and contribute to the development of community tourism .

Traditional rituals of the Pa Cô, Tà Ôi, and Cơ Tu ethnic groups, such as the Zèng offering ceremony, the Âr Pục (unity) festival, and Ân Ninh, are meticulously recreated. The melodies of folk songs echoing through the mountains and forests, and the rhythmic steps in the dances, delight visitors. During the festival, visitors not only watch but also participate in the rituals, try their hand at weaving Zèng, making A Quát cakes, or join in traditional games. Pa Cô, Tà Ôi, Cơ Tu, and Pa Hy children excitedly show off the handicrafts they made themselves.

Each pattern tells a story, about the land, the forest, and the life of the Ta Oi people.

Ms. Le Thi Them, Head of the Culture, Science and Information Department of A Luoi District, shared: “Traditional festivals and customs have been restored and their values ​​promoted. We not only preserve them but also innovate cultural activities to attract tourists and create sustainable livelihoods for local people. The festival is a special cultural event, creating opportunities for A Luoi to develop tourism.”

Distinguished artisan and village elder Nguyen Hoai Nam from Hong Ha commune couldn't hide his joy at seeing the village streets and alleys more bustling than ever. "In the past, these dances and songs only appeared in traditional festivals of ethnic minority people. Now, even on ordinary days, we have the opportunity to perform for tourists. It's wonderful! The elderly get to relive old memories, and the younger generation grows to love and be proud of their ethnic culture," Elder Nam said.

Unforgettable impression

In the traditional Ta Oi house, we stopped to see Ta Oi women diligently working at their looms. The rhythmic clicking sound blended with the lively atmosphere of the festival, creating a melody that was both familiar and unfamiliar. Colorful zeng fabrics gradually appeared under the skillful hands of the young women.

A girl looked up, smiled, and said, "Would you like to try weaving zèng?" I hesitated, then nodded and sat down beside the loom. She introduced herself as Ho Thi Truyen, 22 years old, born into a family with a tradition of zèng weaving. She gently guided me on how to thread the yarn through the wooden bars rhythmically. I carefully followed her instructions, but each time I pushed the shuttle through, the yarn got tangled.

- Everyone feels the same way at first! But once you get used to it, you'll find weaving zèng is like painting. Each pattern tells a story, about the land, the forest, and the life of the Ta Oi people.

I smiled at Truyen, enjoying the patterns on the zèng fabric she was weaving. It wasn't just simple stripes; there were also images of the sun, streams, and wildflowers, all blending together to create a meaningful picture. Truyen took out a long dress made from zèng fabric; the hem featured intricate patterns, the colors warm and muted, yet still exuding a soft, elegant feel. I gently touched the fabric, feeling the rustic texture of the threads but also sensing the breath of the mountains and forests within it.

- We also sell online! We set up an online store, livestream to introduce our products, and sometimes even guide customers on how to style outfits with our zèng. Initially, not many people knew about it, but now many people like it, both domestic and international customers.

Amazing! Not only are these young women preserving tradition, but they are also bringing their ethnic culture to the world in a very modern way. The sun was high in the sky, but I still sat there, immersed in Truyen's story. In her eyes was pride, a desire to preserve and spread the beauty of her ethnic group, so that the zèng fabric would not only be a part of the past, but also present in life today and tomorrow.

The "Spring Festival in A Lưới Highlands" concluded with joy and a sense of nostalgia. A Lưới today is different – ​​fresh, vibrant, yet still retaining the soul of the mountains and forests. And I know for sure I will return to this place – to once again immerse myself in the enchanting breath of the vast wilderness.

Bach Chau

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/sac-xuan-tren-vung-cao-152921.html