Preserving the precious heritage of ethnic minorities

Thanh Son, a mountainous district in Phu Tho province, is home to a large ethnic minority population, primarily the Muong and Dao communities. In recent years, efforts to preserve and promote the traditional cultural identities of these groups have yielded positive results—helping to honor the unique cultural values of each community while reinforcing the strength of the national unity bloc. In remote villages, there are individuals—many of whom are well into the later years of life—who remain tirelessly devoted to preserving the cultural treasures of their people.

Nestled beside lush rice fields in Cu Dong Commune, the home of Ms. Dinh Thi Tam has long been a vibrant meeting place for Muong cultural activities. Every weekend evening and during summer breaks, Ms. Tam and other members of the local Folk Culture Club gather here to teach the Muong language and traditional Vi and Rang folk songs to the younger generations.

Ms. Tam has devoted her life to preserving Muong culture.

Born and raised in a village steeped in Muong traditions, Ms. Tam’s earliest memories are filled with lullabies sung by her grandmother and mother on the hillside—set against years of labor alongside her family in the rice fields. Though she later became a daughter-in-law in a new home, her love and reverence for Muong culture remained unwavering. Upon retiring, she dedicated her time to collecting tools and artifacts related to Muong daily life and traditions—preserving them as both a legacy and a lesson for her children and grandchildren.

“I do this simply because I want to preserve and pass on Muong culture to future generations,” Ms. Tam shared. “Modern life is changing everything so quickly. Rather than standing by as our traditions fade away, I’ve chosen to preserve them—physically, in stories, and in teachings. I just hope the next generations will value and carry it forward as we have.”

Thanh Son is also home to a large Dao population, particularly in communes like Cu Thang, Yen Luong, Yen Son, Dong Cuu, and Thuong Cuu. Over time, the Dao community has made efforts to eliminate outdated customs and build a more modern, cultured, and progressive way of life. Many individuals have worked tirelessly to collect and teach traditional Dao knowledge to the youth.

Mr. Ly Van Minh regularly teaches the Dao language and script to villagers.

A notable figure is Mr. Ly Van Minh (71), from Cu Thang Commune—recognized as a prestigious ethnic representative in 2023. Beyond his efforts in promoting party policies and state laws, Mr. Minh is deeply committed to passing on his passion for Dao culture.

In Xuan Thang, where nearly all residents are Dao, Mr. Minh has spent years researching, collecting, and teaching the Dao language, script, and rituals. Thanks to his dedication, over a dozen young people are now proficient in reading, writing, understanding the meanings, and performing traditional Dao rituals—often led by shamans.

In a humble home nestled against a hillside, Mr. Minh showed visitors a tattered notebook filled with ancient Dao script. “These are the documents handed down by my ancestors,” he said. “They contain our customs, rituals, and cultural heritage. It’s our treasure. Sadly, while we still use the Dao language in daily life, pronunciation and intonation have been lost over time. Few can read or write it now. That worries me deeply. If our descendants lose this connection, it would be a loss not only for them but also a betrayal of our ancestors. That’s why, as long as I am still healthy and clear-minded, I teach Dao culture every chance I get—on holidays, during festivals, or any spare day.”

Muong daily-life tools and household items are carefully preserved.

In the past, the pressure of putting food on the table meant that preserving cultural identity often took a back seat. But as living standards have improved, many communities are rediscovering the importance of cultural preservation.

To continue its mission of cultural revitalization, Thanh Son District has implemented various programs under the 2021–2025 preservation project for the Muong and other ethnic groups. In 2024, the district partnered with the Department of Grassroots Culture (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) to expand and replicate folk music and dance clubs, organize traditional festivals, and support community cultural events.

Most recently, the district launched a training course on Cham Thau and Cham Duong—traditional Muong performance arts—for cultural officials and club leaders in several communes, including Tat Thang, Cu Thang, Cu Dong, and Thang Son. Participants learned about melody structures, instrumental techniques, and the cultural essence of these unique art forms. To date, the district maintains 185 ethnic cultural clubs—hosting activities like the Bong dance, Senh Tien dance, Drum dance, Cap Sac ceremony, and Tet Nhay in culturally respectful ways.

Thanks to the passion of individuals like Ms. Tam and Mr. Minh, traditional festivals and cultural expressions of the Muong and Dao peoples have come alive once again—becoming a vibrant thread in the tapestry of ethnic diversity in Phu Tho province. These efforts not only help preserve cultural identity but also play a vital role in promoting tourism and driving local socio-economic development.

Vy An