Preserving the cultural identity of the Muong people

Thanh Son is a mountainous district in the southern part of the province, home to 32 ethnic groups, with the Muong people making up 60% of the population. Recognizing Muong cultural heritage as a vital “thread” connecting the community and enriching the cultural diversity of ethnic groups in the region, the local government has implemented numerous initiatives to mobilize and encourage the preservation and promotion of Muong ethnic identity. A key highlight has been the establishment and effective maintenance of Muong cultural preservation clubs.

The Muong Ethnic Cultural Performance Club on 19/5 Street (Thanh Son town) regularly practices gong performances at the local cultural house.

Launched in 2018, the Muong Cultural Performance Club of 19/5 Street has become a central force in the cultural and artistic movement in Thanh Son town. According to Mr. Nguyen The Anh, Chairman of the Club, the group consists of 15 core members (aged 30-70) who possess artistic talent, a deep understanding of, and passion for traditional Muong culture.

To ensure the Club’s activities attract participation and engagement, members have proactively contributed funds to purchase musical instruments and traditional costumes. They also organize regular practice sessions on weekends at the cultural house, covering various activities such as Muong gong instruction, folk dance and song practice, cultural performance training, and the promotion of traditional ethnic attire.

After seven years, the club’s activities have become a regular feature, drawing in local residents, particularly young children. On average, the club participates in 5-7 cultural events annually at the town and district levels, thereby contributing to the preservation and promotion of Muong cultural values while fostering community solidarity.

At Thanh Son Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities, where ethnic minority children receive education, a Muong cultural performance club has been established, offering engaging extracurricular activities that instill a love for traditional culture.

Ms. Dinh Thi Bich Thuy, the school’s principal, stated that the Muong cultural performance club is part of the school’s broader effort to integrate ethnic cultural education into students' learning experiences.

By joining the club, students explore unique aspects of Muong culture, including traditional music, culinary heritage, attire, language, and stilt house architecture. They also participate in various cultural competitions such as Muong folk song contests, gong performances, traditional dance showcases, and other artistic expressions. These activities enhance students' appreciation for their heritage while enriching their cultural and social lives. Furthermore, they serve as motivation for students to excel academically and personally, encouraging them to contribute their knowledge and skills to the development of their homeland.

Students from Thanh Son Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities participate in extracurricular activities to learn about Muong ethnic musical instruments as part of the Muong Cultural Performance Art Club.

Thanks to the successful implementation of projects aimed at documenting, preserving, and promoting Muong cultural identity-such as the 2017-2020 heritage preservation initiative and the 2021-2025 National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas-the district has made significant progress in safeguarding Muong traditions.

Currently, over 120 Muong cultural clubs have been established in communes, residential areas, and schools. Additionally, the district has preserved 634 gongs, 123 sets of traditional musical instruments, more than 1,200 ethnic costumes, and 115 traditional stilt houses within the Muong community.

As society continues to modernize, the unique cultural traditions of ethnic minorities face increasing risks of fading away. Therefore, building and maintaining Muong cultural preservation clubs is essential to creating spaces where people can practice, celebrate, and pass on their heritage. These initiatives not only enhance the spiritual life of the community but also strengthen social bonds, fostering solidarity and cultural pride among the ethnic groups of Thanh Son district.

Dong Nien