Gong culture of the Central Highlands

The exact origins of gongs remain a question without a clear answer, but it is known that gongs have existed and been intimately connected with the history of ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands. Gongs are not only a source of music that nourishes the soul and character, but also the voice of love, strength, and the sacred spirit of these communities, from tradition to modernity.

The Gong Culture Space of the Central Highlands spans five provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak , Dak Nong, and Lam Dong. The main communities include more than ten ethnic groups who have lived here for generations, such as the Bana, Sedang, Gia Rai, Ede, Mnong, Coho, and Ma…

According to the beliefs of the Central Highlands people, gongs and cymbals are sacred objects, and they believe that behind each gong and cymbal resides a deity. As sacred objects, the sound of gongs and cymbals is also sacred, and people use these musical instruments as a "language" to communicate, express their thoughts and wishes to the deities.

In the past, gongs were mainly used in rituals such as naming ceremonies, weddings, new village founding ceremonies, new communal house construction ceremonies, health blessing ceremonies, land selection ceremonies, clearing fields, and planting... Gongs were used most extensively and concentratedly in buffalo sacrifice ceremonies and funeral rites. Each ritual usually had its own unique gong melody.

Gongs are also closely associated with family and community cultural activities in some ethnic groups. Gong music is always accompanied by ritual dances, and each ethnic group, community, and village has its own unique dances. Today, gongs are also used in everyday cultural activities.

Over time, gongs have become sacred symbols, playing an important role in the lives of the ethnic groups in the Central Highlands. Every year, the provinces of the Central Highlands organize gong festivals, where people can interact and perform gong music together, and where tourists can enjoy the powerful, heroic, and captivating melodies of the gongs.

Heritage Magazine