In Akŏ Dhông village (Buôn Ma Thuột ward), the village regulations are based on the principle of promoting self-governance within the community. Over time, it has become a beautiful feature that both helps preserve traditional cultural identity and balances the rhythm of life in this community-based tourism village.
The village's customary regulations clearly define all aspects of village life, from preserving the landscape and maintaining environmental hygiene, preserving traditional longhouses, refraining from cutting down ancient trees, and avoiding littering... to stipulating mutual support and assistance among villagers in matters of life, from funerals and weddings to business and economic development. This customary law has become a guiding principle for the Ede people's way of life, helping them preserve and promote their unique cultural heritage.
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| Amí Min (from Akŏ Dhông village) showcases the traditional costumes of the Êđê people. |
Having lived through nearly 70 farming seasons, Amí Min has witnessed countless changes and ups and downs in her village. Amí Min says that throughout the years, regardless of the era, the people of Akŏ Dhông village have always adhered to the established customs and traditions. In each period, the villagers discuss and agree upon the best aspects to implement, transmit, and preserve, especially the cultural identity of their ethnic group.
Today, Akŏ Dhông village has flourished, its people enjoy a prosperous life, and in addition to the fine traditions passed down from their ancestors, the village's regulations incorporate many new criteria for building a cultural life, urban beautification, and economic development.
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| A corner of Akŏ Dhông village. |
In Tring 1 and 2 hamlets (Buon Ho ward), the village regulations serve as a pledge of honor for the local people. Outdated customs such as consanguineous marriage, child marriage, forced marriage, and superstition have been eradicated. Instead, the regulations have been gradually adjusted to emphasize mutual support and solidarity, especially when families in the hamlet face difficulties or hardships. The hamlet's regulations also promote education, requiring residents to focus on economic development, build a cultural life; maintain environmental hygiene, protect trees; ensure security and order, fire safety, and disease prevention and control.
Those groups and individuals who uphold the village's regulations well will be commended and rewarded; those whose behavior or actions are not good will be criticized and reminded. These things may seem perfectly normal, but in the villages, they become an invisible "weight" that compels villagers to strictly adhere to the rules they themselves and their community have established. Mr. Y Bhiao Mlô, the village elder of Tring 2 village, expressed: "Tring 2 village still preserves many beautiful traditional features of the Ede people, from gong music, weaving, brewing rice wine, weaving brocade, and water-worshiping ceremonies to the customs, traditions, and beliefs of our ancestors. All of this is thanks to the regulations set forth in the village's regulations. Whenever there is a minor conflict, the villagers often sit down and review the regulations to examine what is right and wrong based on the bonds of brotherhood."
It can be said that each village charter and custom has become a humane bond, a powerful tool for managing society, building community spirit, and forming a civilized way of life. In these communities, outdated and backward practices are pushed aside, while progressive and civilized values are cherished, so that each village not only prospers materially but also strengthens unity, fosters compassion, and inspires aspirations for greater achievements.
Thuy Hong
Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202601/soi-chi-do-giu-nep-buon-lang-0bc13c5/
