Preserving the "sacred soul treasure" of the Muong people in the heart of the city

For the Muong people of Hoa Binh, gongs are not only musical instruments but also “sacred treasures” that have been with them from birth until they return to heaven. Even in the middle of the modern city of Muong land, the sound of gongs still resonates like the heartbeat of the origin, like the echo from the sacred soul of the mountains and rivers, affirming the enduring and everlasting vitality of the national culture.

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

The first Congress of Hoa Binh Ward Delegates, term 2025-2030, held at the end of July 2025, was bustling and special, because Muong gong artisans lined up in two rows from the yard to the door of the cultural house. Hundreds of gong players in traditional Muong ethnic costumes played the gong song to welcome guests. "Pong peeng... poong khum..." the gong rhythm excited people's hearts, making everyone excited about the important political event and realizing that, amidst the modern and innovative lifestyle, Muong gongs are still being preserved, nurtured and shining.

Established from the merger of 7 central wards of the old Hoa Binh city, Hoa Binh ward became the core of the new urban area on the Da River. As the “heart” of the old Hoa Binh province, the ward inherited the foundation of a type II urban area and strives to build a civilized, modern and rich-in-identity urban area. With that correct policy, culture is preserved, harmoniously combining tradition and modernity, creating a unique and distinctive identity.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh, head of the old Quynh Lam ward gong group, excitedly shared: The group has 20 gong players who are honored to participate in the performance at the first Party Congress of the new Hoa Binh ward. The group brings a full set of Muong gongs, from big gongs to small gongs... Although living in the heart of the city, we still respect and are proud to preserve the Muong gong culture. In residential areas such as groups 1 and 2 with about 80% Muong people, the gong team still operates regularly at the cultural house and often participates in performing at major events of the locality and the old Hoa Binh province.

The gong keeps the rhythm for the Muong gong ensemble.

In early August, at the National Day for National Security Protection in Thong Nhat Ward, the gongs also resounded loudly. Listeners not only felt the sound, but also felt the rhythm of the origin and national pride in each gong sound.

Today, among countless modern musical instruments, Muong gongs still affirm their special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the people. Muong people consider gongs as "sacred treasures" that are indispensable in events from each family, residential area to the city and provincial levels in the past, as well as the new wards in Muong land today.

Artist with a small gong in the Muong gong ensemble.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, head of group 9, old Thinh Lang ward, now Hoa Binh ward, is also an enthusiastic gong player. “The group has nearly 200 households, about 70% of whom are Muong people. The group has taken funds and mobilized people to contribute to buy a set of 12 Muong gongs. The elderly teach the young how to play, those who know how to play teach those who don’t know. Since then, the group has established and maintained a gong team of 20 core members. Events from the group level such as the art program to welcome the Party Congress, the National Great Unity Day, to the art program on the walking street and the event of the old Hoa Binh province “The Country is Full of Joy”, the groundbreaking ceremony of the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs..., the gong players all actively practice and enthusiastically participate” - Ms. Thu said.

In the heart of the city, Muong gongs are still present in rituals, festivals, and events. In particular, the sound of gongs is indispensable in the spiritual rituals of the people. In all the groups where Muong people live in the old Thinh Lang ward, when there is a funeral, the sound of gongs resounds like a connecting thread with the sky, with the soul of the deceased. Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, 91 years old, in group 9, always cherishes and respectfully preserves his family's gong. He always teaches his children and grandchildren to always preserve cultural traditions.

According to the Muong people's concept, gongs also have souls. The soul of gongs is "sacred soul". Gongs are always hung in a solemn place, but after a long time, the soul of the gong can fall asleep. Therefore, before using the gong, it is necessary to wake up the gong. Mr. Nguyen Van Thuc in the old Thai Binh ward, now Thong Nhat ward, is a famous gong teaching artist in the region. He is affectionately called by the people - the keeper of the soul of Muong music. This year, he is nearly 80 years old, but he still participates in keeping the rhythm of the main gong in the gong set and teaches the way to play the gong to the younger generation.

The streets are increasingly modern, but the sound of gongs still echoes in the Muong land as an indispensable part of the community's spiritual and cultural life. In recent years, linking gong performances with cultural tourism has opened up opportunities to promote and develop the value of Muong gongs - a "treasure" recognized as a national tangible cultural heritage.

The Congress of Hoa Binh Ward Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term identified four breakthroughs, including a breakthrough in preserving and promoting historical and cultural values associated with tourism development, especially Muong culture.

The Muong people in the urban area hope that the new wards after the merger will maintain the organization of cultural events, arts, traditional festivals, art programs in the walking street area... to continue promoting the movement in general and to let the Muong gong - the "sacred treasure" passed down from generation to generation of the Muong people forever resonate and shine in the heart of the city.

Cam Le

Source: https://baophutho.vn/giu-vat-bau-hon-thieng-cua-nguoi-muong-giua-long-pho-thi-237672.htm