Dong Chui hamlet preserves the soul of Muong gongs

Members of the Muong gong melody exchange club

Dong Chui hamlet has 132 households, 628 people, 95% of whom are Muong people. With the consensus of the people and the right direction of the government, the residential area has been recognized as "A typical advanced residential area in preserving and promoting cultural values" of the province. During the process of economic restructuring, most of Dong Chui's workers have participated in working in industrial parks, companies, factories inside and outside the area, only about 10% are still attached to agriculture. Average income reached 60 million VND/person/year, increasing steadily compared to the previous year. Life has improved, but traditional cultural values have not faded. Ms. Hoang Thi Hanh, Hamlet Chief and Head of the Muong Gong Club, shared: No matter where they work, on every festival or important event of the hamlet, Dong Chui's children still return, wearing their traditional costumes, joining in the gong sounds and dances. That is how we keep the flame of identity alive. Currently, Dong Chui has 8 art troupes, 1 Muong gong club, 1 club for preserving and promoting the national cultural identity, and 1 folk dance and sports club. These clubs gather dozens of members, operate regularly, and bring Muong singing, dancing, and gongs to contemporary life. Many of the hamlet's art troupes have won high prizes in competitions organized by the commune, and have participated in many cultural events of the district and province. In particular, the "Preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group" club and the Muong gong club, established in 2023, have become the nucleus of spreading the spirit of solidarity and arousing pride in the community. “Dong Chui people are very excited to enjoy the ancient gong songs mixed with modern gongs. However, the club has not yet linked the performance activities with community tourism to bring economic efficiency. We have also not attracted the return of some members who have stopped participating,” Ms. Hanh shared.

Women in Dong Chui hamlet perform art

Over the years, Dong Chui Residential Area has continuously received certificates of merit from the People's Committees of communes, districts and provinces: 2020 - 2022: was commended for its outstanding achievements in the movement "All people unite to build a cultural life". 2023: The Provincial People's Committee awarded a certificate of merit for implementing Resolution 33-NQ/TW of the Central Committee on building and developing Vietnamese people. 2024: was recognized with the title "Cultural Village and Residential Group" at the district level, showing 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 good customs.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tien, Head of the Department of Culture and Society of Luong Son Commune, commented: “Dong Chui is a model of preserving Muong culture at the grassroots level. However, for this model to be truly sustainable, it is necessary to support people in linking culture with economic development. We are aiming to train people in community tourism skills, connect with tours inside and outside the commune, and support infrastructure and homestay renovation. The most important thing is to preserve the cultural soul, avoid commercialization that loses value.”

From a purely agricultural residential area, Dong Chui has become a cultural highlight of Luong Son commune. The economy has developed and income has increased, but the sound of gongs, dances, and folk songs still resound in every festival and holiday. So that the sound of gongs not only "resounds in festivals" but also "lives in everyday life", creating a sustainable livelihood for the people. To do so, it requires the support of the government, creativity in organizing activities, and above all, the pride and cooperation of each Dong Chui resident.

Le Chung - Thuy Anh

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