Receiving the certificate of the historical and cultural site at the provincial level for Sau Communal House, Thanh Cao Commune

3/23/2025 - 11:19:08 AM

The People's Committee of Luong Son District recently held a ceremony to receive the certificate recognizing Sau Communal House in Thanh Cao Commune as a provincial-level historical and cultural site.

On behalf of the authorities, the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism presented the certificate of provincial historical and cultural site ranking for Sau Communal House, located in Thanh Cao Commune, Luong Son District.

Sau Communal House is situated in Sau Ha Hamlet, Thanh Cao Commune, Luong Son District. Initially, the communal house was built using bamboo, thatch, and palm leaves, with a thatched roof. Over the time, the old communal house deteriorated, prompting the local people to contribute to its reconstruction. The new structure was built on a larger scale with durable ironwood, featuring the traditional "Dinh” (J-shaped) architectural style, consisting of a front hall and a rear sanctuary. Sau Communal House remained until 1950, when it was destroyed by the French colonial forces during a military raid, leaving only its foundation. All sacred artifacts were lost or scattered, and the cultural and religious activities ceased. After multiple restorations, the communal house has been rebuilt as it stands today.

According to the historical records and the imperial decrees preserved at the Institute of Social Science Information under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Sau Communal House was granted four royal decrees by the Nguyen Dynasty, honoring the deities worshipped at the site. These decrees were issued in the second year of Đong Khanh (1887), the third year of Duy Tan (1909), and twice in the ninth year of Khai Dinh (1924). Based on these records, Sau Communal House is dedicated to the three supreme-ranking deities of Tan Vien Mountain, including Tan Vien Son National Lord, Cao Son Great King, and Quy Minh Great King.

To preserve and promote the traditional cultural values while meeting the spiritual and cultural needs of the local community, the communal house was rebuilt through the socialized funding and the contributions from residents.

Sau Communal House Festivalis held annually on the5th day of the first lunar month, featuring the large-scale celebrations with unique rituals and traditional games. Recognizing its historical, cultural, and tourism significance, the People's Committee of Hoa Binh Province has officially designated Sau Communal House as aprovincial-level historical and cultural site.

Women's clothing of ethnic minorities in Hoa Binh

The clothing of women reflects the culture of the Muong, Thai, Tay, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups in the northern province of Hoa Binh.

Hoa Binh’s cultural heritage: Muong Gongs, a timeless cultural treasure

Gongs hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Muong ethnic people in Hoa Binh province. More than musical instruments, they are an indispensable part of community rituals and collective memory, echoing through generations as a spiritual thread linking the past, present, and future.

Preserving, promoting Muong cultural heritage: Upholding Muong culture into contemporary life

Preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Muong ethnic group has become an urgent task in the current context, as many traditional values face the risk of fading away. This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.

Preserving essence of Muong culture: tradition meets modernity

The Muong ethnic culture, deeply rooted in Vietnam’s mountainous north, continues to be preserved and revitalised by dedicated individuals and communities determined to safeguard their ancestral identity.

Preserving Muong community’s identity – Journey from tradition to modernity: Part 1 – Exploring Muong culture region

The Muong group is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in Hoa Binh province. The Muong people in Hoa Binh boast a rich and diverse cultural treasure that reflects the unique identity of this ethnic group. Accounting for over 63% of the province's population, they have created and preserved numerous distinctive cultural values, contributing to their unique identity. Their cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, at the heart of their national identity, and represents a vibrant spiritual life that must be preserved and promoted in today’s modern world.

Traditional festivals of Hoa Binh: A rich cultural heritage

For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.