Dao ethnic women in Yen Lang commune embroider traditional dresses and blouses to wear during Tet (Lunar New Year).
Change stems from aspirations.
In the final days of the year, the road leading to the center of Yen Lang commune is adorned with colorful flags and flowers. Rows of new, spacious houses with bright red tiled roofs are interspersed, and rows of national flags flutter in the breeze. The festive atmosphere of Tet permeates the mountains and forests, brightening up this land that is usually peaceful and rustic.
Ms. Dang Thi Minh, a Dao ethnic minority woman from Thanh Cong village, shared: "Now, we not only cultivate crops but also engage in tourism , selling specialty products such as herbal wine, honey, brocade fabrics, and traditional Dao herbal bath remedies... Tourists love it because they get to experience the culture and buy traditional products as souvenirs. Life has changed a lot compared to the past."
The mountainous commune of Yen Lang is no longer as impoverished as it was many years ago. Thanks to the attention and investment of the Party and the State, and the efforts of the local Party committee and government, the lives of the people are increasingly improving. In particular, the New Rural Development Movement has created a strong transformation, bringing a new look to this land.
Since the introduction of roads and electricity, goods and agricultural products from the people can be easily transported to the market, and the number of tourists visiting and experiencing the culture has increased. In the villages, many exemplary individuals who excel in economic activities and actively participate in social work and building a new life have become a driving force for the emulation movement. Many families have boldly invested in livestock farming, medicinal plant cultivation, and community tourism development. Young people in the commune are increasingly dynamic, knowing how to exploit the advantages of their homeland to start their own businesses. Many who have learned vocational skills and tourism have returned to the locality to open services and guide tourists. Dao women actively participate in cooperatives and production groups, creating OCOP products. New economic models born from the hands and minds of the people are gradually helping Yen Lang become a shining example of economic development in ethnic minority areas.
Comrade Trieu Toan Tang - Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, said: In recent years, the commune has implemented comprehensive solutions for economic development associated with shifting the production structure and effectively exploiting the potential and strengths of the locality. As a result, the material and spiritual lives of the people have gradually improved. To date, the average per capita income of the commune has reached approximately 62 million VND/year; the poverty rate has decreased to 0.48%.
The commune also intensified propaganda and mobilization efforts to encourage people to shift the structure of crops and livestock towards commercial production; promoting the development of household economic models, farm economies, small-scale industries, and services. Along with this, the locality strengthened coordination with relevant departments and organizations to support people in accessing preferential loan capital, applying scientific and technological advancements to production, creating jobs, and sustainably increasing people's income.
Preserving the flame of traditional culture.
For the Dao people in Yen Lang, Tet (Lunar New Year) is a sacred time to remember their ancestors, give thanks to heaven and earth, and pray for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest. Even in modern life, the traditional customs of celebrating Tet among the Dao people have been preserved intact through generations.
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), every household is bustling with preparations: cleaning the altar, polishing brassware, pounding rice cakes, and making colorful cakes. Men prepare the feast, while women weave cloth and embroider new clothes for their children. Young children eagerly practice singing and dancing to participate in the village festival at the beginning of the year.
The "Tet Nhay" (New Year's Dance) – a unique traditional ceremony of the Dao people of Yen Lang – is celebrated solemnly, signifying gratitude to ancestors and prayers for blessings for the village. To the resounding sounds of drums and gongs, young men in brightly embroidered costumes perform traditional dances, both powerful and sacred. Young women in brocade dresses, their hair styled in elegant updos, adorned with sparkling silver bracelets, hold incense sticks, their radiant smiles amidst the swirling smoke. The entire village seems to be immersed in the warm and heartfelt atmosphere of spring.
The Dao people of Yen Lang are also proud of their treasure trove of folk songs, ancient tales, courtship songs, and ceremonial dances passed down from generation to generation. Amidst modern life, young people are encouraged to participate in arts clubs, learn singing, embroidery, and the ancient Dao language.
Every spring, tourists from all over flock to Yen Lang to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy traditional dishes, listen to folk songs, participate in the New Year's Dance ceremony, and visit ancient houses and primeval forests. Each trip is a cultural experience, an opportunity to learn more about the warm and hospitable hearts of the Dao people here.
This spring, the Dao people of Yen Lang have many new joys. The economy is developing, living standards are improving, roads are being widened, and electricity illuminates every path. In every home, New Year's greetings resound joyfully. The sounds of flutes, gongs, drums, and songs rise again – like an endless melody of joy and the aspiration for change. Spring for the Dao people not only brings colorful flowers and joyful family gatherings, but also ignites faith in a bright future.
Duong Chung
Source: https://baophutho.vn/sac-xuan-yen-lang-248064.htm
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