Muong peoplein Vo Mieu gather to practice singing. (http://thanhson.phutho.gov.vn)

In the early spring, the Cultural House in Vo Mieu  feels cheerful as people prepare for cultural exchanges and festivals. Ha Thi Mau and other villagers put on traditional costumes to sing and dance to Muong folksongs.  

 “We have managed to restore our traditional culture and preserved our group’s history. We have upheld our customs and norms in organizing wedding ceremonies and funerals.”

Local Muong people love singing and dancing as a way to strengthen neighborliness. The Cultural House is a venue for villagers to share their interests and learn more about Muong culture village. Phung Thi Van said: “Cultural activities in our hamlet are joyful. We support performances which revitalize our culture. We fund art troupes and encourage family members to join them to promote our culture.”

Pupils of Thanh Son boarding-school performed gong at a ceremony to mark a new school year. (http://phutho.gov.vn)

Chai residential area in Vo Mieu commune has 140 Muong households. Ha Manh Hung, head of the area, said when the province launched the campaign of all people uniting to build a cultural lifestyle, Muong people responded enthusiastically. They contributed to building a cultural house and a sports ground. Locals have set and abided by traffic rules and regulations to keep the environment clean and green and followed a civilized lifestyle. Hung said: “Since 2011, we have responded to the national movement of building a cultural lifestyle in residential areas. Cultural activities have been promoted. We have village rules on organizing wedding ceremonies, funerals, and other activities. Neighborliness has been strengthened.”

Village rules, which were set by ancestors, have been adjusted to apply to new-style rural areas. They foster neighborliness, unity, family duty, and loyalty. Ha Van Phi, a villager in the Chai area, said they have adhered to good customs and cultural traditions and eliminated backward practices. “I’ve urged my children to raise their awareness. We try to improve ourselves to be role models for others in promoting a cultural lifestyle.”

Nguyen Trung Thach, Vice Chairman of Vo Mieu commune’s People’s Committee, said: “The communal authority has paid attention to developing a cultural lifestyle in residential areas. We have organized meetings to promote ethnic culture while encouraging people to adopt modern cultural norms.”

Building new rural areas and a cultural lifestyle, includes economic development and cultural and sports activities, promotes ethnic culture and improves people’s lives.

Dinh Phuong