Civilization in weddings and funerals of ethnic minorities

Dao Tru Commune is home to nearly 90% ethnic minorities, mainly San Diu, Dao, and Mong people. For generations, many bad customs associated with weddings and funerals have existed here. Weddings are often associated with early marriages and heavy dowry; funerals last for many days, are complicated and costly, causing many families to fall into debt. Leaving corpses in the house for a long time also leads to unsanitary conditions and affects public health. These bad customs not only hinder development but also reduce the quality of cultural life in a rural area with many difficulties.

Faced with that situation, the Party Committee and the government of Dao Tru commune have persistently and persistently taken action; resolutely implementing Directive 11 of the Provincial Party Standing Committee on promoting the building of a civilized lifestyle in weddings and funerals. The movement "All people unite to build a cultural life" is closely linked to the annual consideration of the title "cultural family", creating motivation for each family to voluntarily change their habits, moving towards a frugal and civilized way of organizing while still maintaining traditional identity.

The main highlight is propaganda work. Not only stopping at loudspeakers, cadres and commune organizations also go directly to each village and household, integrating the mobilization content into meetings and community activities. Whenever there is a wedding or funeral, cadres go to the house, patiently explaining and guiding the homeowner on how to organize a compact, legal and solemn ceremony. Cadres and civil servants are required to set an example, hold weddings in accordance with the law, do not invite parties during working hours; funerals say no to superstition.

Today, San Diu people have changed their way of thinking, actively eliminating bad customs, only preserving and promoting traditional cultural beauty.

The story of Mr. Trieu Van Sang's family, a Dao ethnic in Lang Ha village, is a clear example of the change. Last year, when his mother passed away, instead of having a long-term feast like before, his family only held a short funeral within 2 days. Relatives came to express their condolences, burn incense, and together took care of the burial in a solemn and complete manner. Mr. Sang shared: "At first, I was worried that people would gossip, but after being analyzed and persuaded by the commune officials, I understood that mourning is not about showing off the feast, but the important thing is the heart. Doing it simply is both economical and maintains feelings, no one criticizes it." This change was welcomed by the villagers, who considered it an example to follow.

Not only in funerals, many families have also changed their wedding customs. Like the family of Ms. Duong Thi Hanh, San Diu ethnic group, instead of setting up a big tent and inviting people for a whole week, she only organized it in one day, and completed the marriage registration procedures according to the law. Ms. Hanh said: "The happy day does not have to be long to be happy. If we do it simply and economically, we will have the conditions to take care of our married life and children later."

Singing Skull Girl - the cultural beauty of the San Diu people.

In the past, funerals could last up to a week, but now most of them last only 1-2 days. The deceased should not be left at home for more than 48 hours, and lavish eating and drinking should be limited, minimizing waste. In weddings, early marriage has been basically prevented; ethnic minority youth have registered their marriage at the right age, eliminating many cumbersome procedures. All weddings today are civilized, polite, and economical, without the sight of dowry or eating and drinking for days on end.

However, there are still problems. The rate of families choosing cremation in Dao Tru is still low, while this is a practical solution to protect the environment, save land, and is in line with civilized trends. The commune government is continuing to promote and raise awareness among cadres, party members and people, encouraging the choice of cremation as a concrete expression of the new lifestyle.

According to local leaders, to change the thinking and working style of ethnic minorities, we cannot rely solely on administrative orders. More important is the persistence of propaganda, the exemplary role of officials, and consensus in the community. When the “old” is gradually replaced by the appropriate “new”, people will voluntarily implement and realize that building a civilized lifestyle in weddings and funerals is necessary, not only contributing to preserving traditional customs but also a measure of the development of a modern society.

Le Minh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/van-minh-trong-viec-cuoi-viec-tang-cua-dong-bao-dan-toc-thieu-so-239669.htm