Van Xuan preserves the cultural values ​​of the Thai ethnic group.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Cua Dat lake, Van Xuan commune is known not only for its majestic natural scenery but also for preserving the unique cultural treasures of the Thai ethnic minority.

Bamboo pole dancing - a unique cultural feature of the Thai ethnic people in Van Xuan commune.

Van Xuan commune, formerly known as Trinh Van land, is a sacred land rich in history and home to many prominent figures of the Thai ethnic group who played a significant role in the resistance against foreign invaders, such as Cam Ba Hien and Cam Ba Thuoc. It is also a region with many traditional festivals deeply rooted in Thai culture, such as the Nang Han festival, the sky worship festival, and many other unique traditional cultural activities. To preserve the traditional cultural values ​​of the Thai ethnic group in accordance with the spirit of Central Resolution 5 (8th Congress) on "Building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national cultural identity" and the movement "Building cultural villages and cultural agencies," the Party Committee and People's Committee of Van Xuan commune have implemented numerous measures to encourage the people to maintain traditional cultural lifestyles and promote the good and beautiful aspects of their customs and practices. To this day, the people of the commune still preserve traditional stilt houses, brocade weaving, basket weaving, and various traditional songs, games, and performances. In particular, on the 5th day of the first lunar month every year, the Thai people here organize the Nang Han Festival to express their gratitude to Nang Han – a Thai ethnic girl from Lum Nua village who bravely and intelligently stood up to protect her homeland and the people of Trinh Van district. In 2024, the Nang Han Festival was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Van Xuan commune has established and maintained amateur performing arts groups in its villages and hamlets. Characteristic art forms such as rice pounding, folk singing, Xoe dance, flute playing, and traditional games like throwing the ball and stick pushing are regularly organized during festivals and holidays, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere. In addition, the commune's Party committee and government are also concerned with preserving and promoting the spoken language, written script, and traditional brocade weaving of the Thai ethnic group; investing in upgrading village cultural houses, linking them with Thai cultural preservation facilities, and creating spaces for displaying traditional agricultural tools and artifacts. Furthermore, the commune has invested in building the Cam Ba Hien Memorial Area in Lum Nua village to honor and remember his contributions to history and to serve as a place for educating future generations about cultural traditions and patriotism, while also serving spiritual tourism in the area.

Mr. Cam Ba Huyen, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Xuan commune, said: "Through the preservation and maintenance of traditional cultural features, the movement to build cultural villages and develop cultural life in residential areas has been promoted. Cultural and artistic activities, as well as sports movements, have been formed, attracting a large number of people to participate. The preservation and promotion of folk songs and music cultural heritage is emphasized. Currently, most villages have their own village regulations and customs. Funeral and wedding ceremonies are organized by the people according to new lifestyles, which are simple, economical, and healthy. The material and spiritual lives of the people have improved, and national security and defense are maintained."

Text and photos: Khanh Linh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/van-xuan-bao-ton-gia-tri-van-hoa-dan-toc-thai-273333.htm