Preserving the “Sacred Soul Treasure” of the Muong People in the Heart of the City

For the Muong people in Hoa Binh, gongs are not only musical instruments, but also a “sacred soul treasure” accompanying them from birth until their return to the heavenly realm. Even amid the modern urban life of Muong land, the sound of gongs still resonates like the heartbeat of their origins, like an echo from the sacred spirit of rivers and mountains, affirming the enduring vitality of the national culture.

Artisans perform Muong gongs to welcome the 1st Congress of the Hoa Binh Ward Party Committee, 2025-2030 term.

The 1st Congress of Hoa Binh Ward, 2025-2030 term, held at the end of July 2025 was vibrant and distinctive as Muong gong artisans formed two rows stretching from the courtyard to the entrance of the cultural house. Hundreds of gong players in traditional Muong attire performed a welcoming piece. “Poong peeng... poong khum...” - the gong rhythms stirred people’s hearts, filling them with excitement for this significant political event and affirming that, amid modern, dynamic life, Muong gongs are still being preserved, nurtured and allowed to shine.

Formed from the merger of seven central wards of the former Hoa Binh City, Hoa Binh Ward has become the new urban core along the Da river. As the “heart” of the former Hoa Binh Province, the ward inherited the foundation of a grade-II urban area and strives to build a civilized, modern and culturally city. Guided by this policy, its culture is preserved.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh, head of the gong group of the former Quynh Lam Ward happily shared: “Our 20-member gong troupe was honored to perform at the first Party Congress of the new Hoa Binh Ward. We brought a complete set of Muong gongs. Though we live in the heart of the city, we always cherish and take pride in preserving the Muong gong tradition.” In residential areas such as Groups 1 and 2, where about 80% of the population are Muong people, gong teams still meet regularly at the cultural house and frequently perform at major local and provincial events.

The main gong sets the rhythm for the Muong gong ensemble.

In early August, during the “All People’s Day for National Security Protection” in Thong Nhat Ward, the sound of gongs once again rang out joyfully. People did not just listenned the music, they felt the heartbeat of their roots and a profound sense of ethnic pride in every resonant note.

Today, amid modern musical instruments, Muong gongs still hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the community. For the Muong, gongs are an indispensable “sacred soul treasure” in events ranging from family gatherings and neighborhood activities to city- and province-level ceremonies, as well as in the new wards across Muong land today.

Artisans with small gong in the Muong gong ensemble.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, head of Group 9 in the former Thinh Lang Ward (now part of Hoa Binh Ward) is also an avid gong player. “Our group has nearly 200 households, about 70% of them Muong. We pooled community funds to purchase a full 12-piece set of Muong gongs. The elders teach the young; those who know pass their skills to those who do not. We formed and have maintained a core gong team of 20 members. Whether at group-level events, art performances on the pedestrian street or provincial festivals, our gong players practice diligently and participate enthusiastically” - Ms. Thu said.

In the heart of the city, Muong gongs remain present in rituals, festivals and community events. Especially in spiritual ceremonies, their sound is indispensable. Across neighborhoods where Muong people live in the former Thinh Lang Ward, a funeral is always accompanied by the echo of gongslike a bridge linking the living with the heavenly realm and the souls of the departed. Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, now 91 still treasures the family gong, reminding his children and grandchildren to uphold their cultural traditions.

In the modern city, the sound of gongs continues to echo through Muong land, an inseparable part of the community’s cultural and spiritual life. In recent years, combining gong performances with cultural tourism has opened up opportunities to promote and enhance the value of Muong gongs - this “treasure” recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Cam Le