(VOVWORLD) - The Dao ethnic community in Son La province have seen their material and spiritual life improve in recent years. During this time they have worked to ensure their unique cultural identity won’t be lost.
 The Nom-Dao script, an ancient writing system, is used to record Dao history, religious beliefs, and traditional rituals. (Photo: Tran Long/VOV) |
Artisan Ban Van Duc of Suoi Lin hamlet has spent years preserving and promoting the Nom-Dao script, an ancient writing system that has been used to record Dao history, religious beliefs, and traditional rituals.
Since 2012, Duc has taught 700 students about the language and its historical and cultural significance. Duc said the Nom-Dao script is one of the most precious cultural heritages tied to the Dao people’s religious and cultural practices.
"I believe it’s essential to teach the younger generation this valuable script to preserve the Dao people’s cultural identity,” said Duc.
Folk songs and dances are indispensable parts of the Dao’s cultural life. Pao Dung songs and traditional bell dances – essential components of festivals, weddings, and other Dao cultural events – have been maintained and promoted by performing arts groups.
"Our culture includes dances, songs, and written language. We strive to learn and preserve them for future generations," Ban Van Phong of Suoi Lin hamlet said.
In addition to folk songs and dances, the culture of Son La is further enriched by the festivals of the Red Dao people, such as the Forest Worshipping Festival, the Pung Hieng Festival, the Jumping Festival, and the Rite of Passage, which embody Dao religious beliefs, folk arts, and communal education.
"Our biggest festival is the Pung Hieng Festival. We’re very proud to preserve and maintain it. During this festival, we re-enact the performances of traditional songs, dances, drums, and gongs that are integral to the Dao ethnic culture," Ly Trong Sinh of Suoi Khem hamlet said.
 Dao people preserve their cultural values through art troupes. (Photo: Tran Long/VOV) |
In recent years, Sơn La province has implemented programs to preserve the Dao language, script, and rituals. Efforts have been made to upgrade cultural infrastructure, organize cultural exchange activities, and hold seminars to honor traditional cultural values. Folk artisans have been encouraged and supported in teaching Dao script, folk songs, and dances to the younger generation.
"Moc Chau has 11 festivals listed as national intangible cultural heritages, including 7 festivals shared with Sơn La province. These include the distinctive festivals of the Dao Tien ethnic group. We will support the Dao people in restoring and preserving the cultural treasures they possess,” said Nguyen Thi Hoa, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Moc Chau district.