Independence Tet in Muong Land

Every year, on the occasion of National Day, September 2, the Muong people of Thinh Lang, Hoa Binh ward, as well as many other Muong areas in Phu Tho province, joyfully celebrate the Independence Festival. What makes this occasion special is that the community continues to uphold its traditional customs, with many meaningful rituals and activities.

Elder Nguyen Thi Chuc, a respected figure in Hoa Binh ward, Phu Tho province, proudly raises the national flag to mark the National Day.

Alongside the traditional Lunar New Year of the nation, ever since the day President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Muong people have embraced one more Tet - the Independence Tet. This year’s festival carries added meaning as it marks 80 years since the country gained independence; the homeland has seen remarkable renewal, and the people enjoy greater prosperity and happiness. Each citizen is happy when the Government gives 100,000 VND.

These days, the streets are filled with the vibrant colors of the Party flag and the national flag. Families everywhere eagerly prepare chickens, pigs, sticky rice... to make Independence Tet dishes, and wrap traditional cakes. First, the tray of food is offered to the ancestors, just as during the Lunar New Year. Afterward, all family gathers joyfully around the meal, inquiring about each other’s health and encouraging one another to keep striving forward.

The Muong people wrap and steam a cylindrical cake in bamboo steamers to welcome the Independence Tet.

For the Muong people of Thinh Lang, the Independence Tet is an occasion to express their patriotism, national pride, and cultural identity. Nowadays, they still preserve the richness of Muong traditions, from attire, language, and folk arts to cuisine.

Among the highlights are indispensable traditional cakes. It is heartening to see that even the younger generation, growing up in a modern urban environment, continues to respect and uphold the beautiful customs of their homeland.

Along with celebrating the Independence Festival at home, Thinh Lang and many other Muong areas in Hoa Binh also host vibrant cultural and sporting events rich in ethnic identity, such as gong performances, folk singing, bamboo pole dance, sacred ball tossing, stick pushing, and crossbow shooting, creating an atmosphere of joy and solidarity within the community.

Affirming the special value of the Independence Tet and recalling the glorious revolutionary traditions, the youth of Phu Tho are reminded of their responsibility to contribute to building their homeland and nation in this era of renewal and growth.

Cam Le