Young girls of the Mong perform their traditional dance during the event. (Photo courtesy of the organiser)Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Hanoians will soon get a chance to experienceethnic Mong people’s traditional New Year dances and games.
The programme Xyoo Tshiab Nram Nroog (The Mong’s New Year Celebrated inthe City) will take place on January 13 at the Hanoi University of Culture.
The annual event has been organised by the Action for Mong Development groupand partners to promote the unique culture of the Mong.
It also provides a chance for Mong people living far from home to enjoy theirtraditional celebrations and to preserve their culture, according to Ma A Lau,member of the organising board.
Various activities will take place including music performances, dancing, gameand a fair where goods and specialties of the Mong will be sold.
Participants will have a chance to try on traditional costumes of the Mong aswell as enjoy delicious food such as banh day (packed sticky rice withmeat or bean fillings wrapped in banana leaves) and men men (steamedminced maize).
A cultural space of the Mong will feature music from pan pipe, bamboo flute andJew’s harp.
Unlike the Lunar New Year of the Kinh majority which falls on the first day ofthe first lunar month, the New Year’s Eve of the Mong falls on the first day ofthe last lunar month. The celebration is to express gratitude to ancestors andgods.
The Mong is one of the largest ethnic groups in Vietnam. They live mostly inthe mountainous regions in the northern provinces of Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau,Son La, and in the north-central and Central Highlands provinces of Thanh Hoa,Nghe An, Gia Lai and Kon Tum.
There are various Mong groups, such as white Mong, black Mong and flower Mong.Though they are different from the costumes and languages, the Mong nationwidehave some common cultural traits, such as their New Year celebration.-VNS/VNA
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