Dong Chui Hamlet preserves the soul of the Muong gong.

In the cool autumn weather, visiting Dong Chui hamlet (Luong Son commune), tourists can easily encounter the resonant sounds of gongs, folk songs, and lively Muong dances. Here, traditional culture is preserved and promoted by the people in modern life, linking economic development with the preservation of cultural identity.

Club members exchange Muong gong melodies.

Dong Chui hamlet has 132 households and 628 inhabitants, with 95% being Muong ethnic people. Thanks to the unity of the people and the correct guidance of the government, the residential area has been recognized as a "Model Advanced Residential Area in the Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Values" of the province. During the economic restructuring process, the majority of Dong Chui's workforce has joined industrial zones, companies, and factories both within and outside the area, with only about 10% remaining in agriculture. Average income reaches 60 million VND/person/year, steadily increasing compared to the previous year. While living standards have improved, traditional cultural values ​​remain undiminished. Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh, Head of the hamlet and Chairperson of the Muong Gong Club, shared: "No matter where they work, during festivals or important events in the hamlet, the children of Dong Chui still return, don their traditional costumes, and join in the sounds of gongs and dances." That's how we keep the flame of our identity alive. Currently, Dong Chui has 8 performing arts groups, 1 Muong Gong Club, 1 Club for Preserving and Promoting Ethnic Cultural Identity, and 1 Sports Folk Dance Club. These clubs bring together dozens of members, operate regularly, and bring the songs, dances, and gongs of the Muong ethnic group to contemporary life. Many of the village's performing arts groups have won high prizes in competitions organized by the commune, and have also participated in many cultural events at the district and provincial levels. In particular, the "Club for Preserving and Promoting Muong Ethnic Cultural Identity" and the Muong Gong Club, established in 2023, have become the core group spreading the spirit of solidarity and igniting pride in the community. “The people of Dong Chui are very excited to enjoy both ancient and modern gong music. However, the club has not yet been able to integrate its performances with community tourism to bring about economic benefits. We also haven't been able to attract back some members who had previously left,” Ms. Hanh shared.

Women from Dong Chui hamlet perform cultural shows.

Over the years, Dong Chui residential area has consistently received commendations from the People's Committees of the commune, district, and province: From 2020 to 2022, it was awarded for outstanding achievements in the "All People Unite to Build a Culturally Rich Life" movement. In 2023, the Provincial People's Committee awarded it a commendation for implementing Resolution 33-NQ/TW of the Central Committee on building and developing Vietnamese people. In 2024, it was recognized as a "Culturally Rich Village/Residential Area" at the district level, demonstrating that Dong Chui not only preserves its identity but also knows how to integrate culture with patriotic emulation movements, build a civilized life, eliminate superstition, and preserve traditional customs and values.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tien, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Luong Son commune, assessed: “Dong Chui is a model for preserving Muong culture at the grassroots level. However, for this model to be truly sustainable, it is necessary to support the people in linking culture with economic development. We are focusing on training skills in community tourism , connecting with tours within and outside the commune, and supporting infrastructure improvement and homestays. Most importantly, we must preserve the essence of the culture and avoid commercialization that would diminish its value.”

From a purely agricultural residential area, Dong Chui has become a cultural highlight of Luong Son commune. With economic development and improved incomes, the sounds of gongs, traditional dances, and folk songs still resonate during festivals and holidays. The goal is for the gongs to not only "resound during festivals" but also "live on in everyday life," creating sustainable livelihoods for the people. To achieve this, the support of the government, creativity in organizing activities, and above all, the pride and collective effort of each resident of Dong Chui are essential.

Le Chung - Thuy Anh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/xom-dong-chui-giu-hon-chieng-muong-240407.htm