Quoc Oai district organizes a gong class for the Muong people. (photo: sovhtt.hanoi.gov.vn)

Gongs are closely associated with the life of the Muong. They are widely used in community activities and rituals to express joy and sadness.

Le Thi Nga, a member of the Gong Club of Phu Man commune, Quoc Oai district, said: “The gong is a symbol of the Muong and an indispensable item at the Lunar New Year Festival, the New Rice Festival, the Housewarming Festival, and other festivals. The gongs have existed since ancient times, and we continue to pass the custom down to our children and grandchildren.”

A set of gongs is arranged from small to large diameter – from high to low pitch. Whether a single gong or the whole set of gongs is played depends on the event.

Nguyen Thi Chanh, Head of the Gong Club of Phu Man commune, said: “A set of Muong gongs contains 12 gongs, divided into high, middle, and low pitch. No.12, the biggest one, is the mother gong, which is used to begin a performance. An ensemble of 12 gongs creates a very beautiful performance.”

The Muong in Hanoi and other localities have the same way of playing gongs. The women stand in a row with their back straight, hold a gong with their right hand, beat the gong with their left hand, and sway gently to the rhythm.

Dinh Thi Thanh, head of the gong team of Mồ Đồi hamlet, Ba Vì district, said: “To begin the performance, we hit the biggest gong to call for the opening. Then we play the other gongs. Each gong is played 10 times, each time for 3 beats.”

Young Muong people learn playing gongs. (photo: Manh Khanh/ VNA)

Gong clubs of the Muong in Hanoi perform regularly at anniversaries and festivals of other Vietnamese ethnic groups. While adhering to the traditional style, the performers have breathed new life into gong playing by creating new compositions.

Nguyen Thi Chanh, head of the Gong Club of Phú Mãn commune, said: “The sound of Muong gongs can resonate very far to bring joy, drive away tiredness, and call people to attend festivals, celebrate harvest days, and welcome the New Year. A set of gongs can play all the Muong songs. There are different melodies for each festival. The artists play beautifully and harmoniously and put their soul into each performance.”

The Muong in Hanoi are encouraged by the municipal administration to organize gong classes in the hamlets and communes. By performing at festivals and national events they are helping to preserve and promote Vietnam’s cultural diversity.