Where smiles are born

People often joke with each other "what leader, what movement" to talk about the influence and importance of the head of a group, agency, unit... When applied to the Phu Xuyen Dao Cultural Preservation Club (CLB), it is indeed true.

When we called to get acquainted and discuss working with Ms. Canh, the first person to come up with the idea of ​​establishing the club, although we had not met her face and only heard her way of communicating, we felt admiration and excitement and immediately set off to Tan Lap hamlet, where 100% of the population are Dao ethnic people.

Meeting Ms. Canh, that feeling was even more "sublime" when before our eyes was a woman at the age of maturity in terms of beauty, as well as thinking and working, with an open and friendly way of speaking, a kind face with rosy white skin, and a bright smile on her lips.

Ms. Canh is luckier than many other women in the village because she has been able to travel here and there, all over the country. Traveling to many places and meeting many people has broadened her horizons and deepened her thinking. When she returns to her hometown, she wants to do something useful, contributing to improving the spiritual life of the Dao women in her hometown.

Stemming from that desire, in 2022, the Club was established, initially with 18 members, now it has increased to nearly 50 people. “I grew up with the songs and singing of the Dao Quan Chet people, knowing how to embroider scarves and skirts since childhood, the cultural soul of the people has penetrated deeply into my soul. I travel a lot, know a lot, and the joy has multiplied thanks to that, now I want to inspire my sisters, help them see the meaning of a beautiful life, see the true values ​​of what they have done, are doing and will do…” - Ms. Canh shared.

With that in mind, Ms. Canh has spent a lot of time and effort to contribute to preserving, conserving and spreading the unique cultural features of her people to many people and many regions across the country.

Through the conversation, we learned something quite interesting and surprising about her - the mother Dao went backpacking with her son when he was only 18 months old. She said: I always control all my decisions so I feel comfortable and happy.

In the past, Ms. Bui Thi Duyen, Ms. Duong Thi Thanh, Trieu Minh Loan... were only busy with farming and family. Housework, taking care of husbands and children... kept them in a boring, dull loop. There were sorrows and joys that they did not know how to share or confide in anyone... But since the day the ladies joined the Club, things have changed. They have the opportunity to interact, learn from each other, share experiences in business, embroidery, the sorrows and joys... in life; especially, the ladies can dance and sing to feel that life is truly joyful.

Moreover, the people in the Club also spread Dao culture to many people, contributing to preserving and conserving the beauty of the Dao Quan Chet ethnic group such as language, writing, costumes...

Ms. Canh said: Since 2023, I have collaborated with the Center for Research and Training on Language and Culture of Ethnic Minorities in the Northern Mountainous Region, under Thai Nguyen University of Science; at the same time, I have participated in teaching Dao language to the Police and Border Guard forces in some northern mountainous provinces.

I also cooperate with Nguyen Hue High School (Dai Tu), participating in teaching Dao ethnic culture to students. However, what I am most passionate about is continuing to "pass on" and promote the traditional medicine profession that my grandparents and parents left behind. Joining the club, I am willing to teach anyone who needs it, so that the profession will not be lost.

Not only middle-aged and elderly people participate in the club, but thanks to its practical and meaningful activities, the club also attracts teenagers and children to learn writing, speaking, dancing, embroidery...

“After the trips, when I returned to my hometown, what worried me the most was that the Dao language was becoming increasingly unfamiliar to the children. Sewing and embroidery were only done by a few old ladies in the village. During holidays and Tet, the number of people wearing Dao costumes became increasingly scarce...'' - Ms. Canh confided.

Based on those concerns, Ms. Canh devoted a lot of effort to compiling a curriculum to teach Dao language to the people in the village and came up with the idea of ​​establishing a club. In the beginning, the members of the club's organizing committee had to travel to the homes of elders, experienced people, and people knowledgeable about Dao culture to collect and mobilize everyone to join hands to preserve the ethnic culture.

During the activities, women were assigned to instruct sewing and embroidery techniques and accompany children in singing Dao folk songs and some traditional dances, such as bell dance, sword dance, knife dance... The old men and uncles taught Nom Dao script to children and those who wanted to learn Dao script in the area...

“The excitement and joy of students when they embroider a flower, a tree or master the Pa Dung melody… has given me more enthusiasm to continue trying and making efforts to contribute to preserving and spreading our national culture more widely.” - Ms. Canh shared.

“On local holidays and Tet, the commune also incorporates propaganda and includes performances imbued with the cultural identity of the Dao ethnic group in art programs and community activities…” - Mr. Nguyen Van Hong said.

Saying goodbye to the club members, we were filled with joy at what we saw and heard; even their worries and concerns… were also the inspiration for us to write this article. We hope to contribute a voice so that the traditional and unique culture of not only the Dao people but also all ethnic groups in the S-shaped strip of land will last forever.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/multimedia/emagazine/202504/noi-khoi-nhung-nu-cuoi-8920ba9/