Preserving the Muong language

Kiet Son Commune (Tan Son District) has more than 80% of the population being Muong ethnic people. For generations, gongs have not only been musical instruments but have become an indispensable spiritual and cultural value in the life of the Muong community here.

For a long time, gongs have not only been musical instruments but have become an indispensable spiritual and cultural value in the life of the Muong community in Tan Son district.

Just like the Muong people in many places across Tan Son land, gongs are not only traditional musical instruments but also sacred objects connecting people with gods and ancestors, closely associated with the lives of the Muong people in Kiet Son, often used on every occasion of Tet, important rituals of the Muong people such as weddings, funerals, housewarming or in rituals praying for good crops...

According to the elders of the commune, the origin of the gong sound was originally the “mysterious” sounds emitted when ancient people accidentally touched stalactites in mountain caves. From those sounds, the Muong people summarized, filtered, and crafted a musical instrument imitating that magical sound. The gong was born and has been associated with the Muong people ever since.

A set of 12 gongs represents 12 months of the year, including: A pair of female gongs, two pairs of call-response gongs and 7 kham gongs. When playing together, the last gong is often used to accompany each beat of the female gong. The Muong people believe that the sound of the gong is closely linked to the life cycle of each person from birth until they return to the motherland. Over the years, gongs have become a cultural heritage, representing the spirit of the Muong community, a treasure preserved through generations.

In recent years, with the awareness of preserving the national culture, conserving and promoting the value of heritage, the Party Committee and the government of Kiet Son commune have focused on promoting propaganda, education and promoting the good values ​​of gong cultural heritage to every cadre, party member and people in the area; regularly organizing training sessions, cultural and artistic exchanges in residential areas.

Since 2018, Kiet Son commune has established a folk art club, regularly maintaining activities, becoming one of the most active and effective folk culture clubs in Tan Son district.

In particular, in 2023, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism supported a number of localities in Tan Son district, including Kiet Son commune, to equip traditional gong sets and many Muong cultural performance instruments, all funded from the project "Preserving and promoting the fine traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic minorities associated with tourism development" (Project 6) under the National Target Program on socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas of Phu Tho province in 2023. This practical activity has effectively helped raise awareness among the community and society about the work of preserving and promoting the fine traditional cultural heritage values ​​of ethnic groups.

Kiet Son Commune Folk Arts Club performs Muong gong ensemble at Hung Temple Festival 2024.

Ms. Ha Thi Tien - Head of the Kiet Son Commune Club shared: “The Club currently has 41 members participating in activities. In addition to practicing performing art performances for the village, commune, and district on the occasion of holidays, Tet, and anniversaries, participating in exchanges and performances in many localities inside and outside the province, the Club also regularly teaches how to play Moi dances, Dam Duong, Cham Ong, gong music and traditional folk songs as well as Vi and Rang singing for the younger generation. In 2023, the Club was supported by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to equip 1 set of gongs, 1 set of Moi dance drums, 25 sets of traditional female costumes and many tools and sound equipment for performance activities. Thanks to the support and attention of authorities at all levels and people in the commune, it has motivated the Club members to continue to contribute and compose more beautiful gong and dance pieces to serve the people...”.

In the course of history, there was a time when the sound of gongs gradually became scarce in many Muong lands. However, with the joint efforts of all levels and sectors, along with the passion and dedication of artisans in the gong club, folk culture and arts have contributed to nurturing and preserving the sound of Muong lands forever...

Thuy Phuong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/gin-giu-thanh-am-xu-muong-222828.htm