Muong Gongs Herald Spring’s Arrival
The Muong people of Cao Phong are actively preserving their cultural heritage by teaching the art of playing Muong gongs to younger generations. This age-old tradition is filled with rituals that infuse their music with deep spiritual significance.
Rituals to Welcome Spring with Muong Gongs
During the ceremony to welcome the New Year, elders carefully remove the gongs from their prominent locations in homes. They perform a ritual by rubbing their hands with white wine and then gently polishing the gongs. This act, referred to as “awakening the gong,” serves to invoke its spirit.
Once awakened, the gongs produce a soft sound reminiscent of a gentle forest breeze, gradually transforming into a resonant melody that encapsulates the essence of the Muong New Year celebration. This music marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the enduring soul of the Muong community.
A Cultural Legacy
The Muong gongs are believed to have ancient origins, dating back to the Dong Son civilization around 3,500 to 4,000 years ago. This rich history showcases the musical and religious practices of early Vietnamese society. The Muong culture of gong playing evolved significantly from the 11th century onward, becoming intricately woven into community life.
Craftsmanship and Symbolism
Muong gongs are made from copper using two primary techniques: casting and hand forging. Each gong not only reflects the artisan’s craftsmanship but also embodies cultural knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations.
- Gong Chot: High-pitched and bright, used for decoration.
- Gong Bong: Medium-sized with a full sound, acts as the main component of the ensemble.
- Gong Kham: Large and warm, it maintains rhythm and supports melodic development.
The intricate designs on these gongs narrate stories about humanity, nature, and the universe within Muong beliefs. They hold significant spiritual value, marking important life events and reinforcing communal bonds.
The Role of Muong Gongs in Community Life
Beyond their musical purpose, Muong gongs play a crucial role in communication. During festivities, they accompany shamans who bless couples, bid farewell to the deceased, and summon communities for celebrations. The sound of these gongs has provided life and rhythm to the Muong villages for generations.
For the Muong people, gongs are seen as sacred objects. They are traditionally hung mouth up, with the handle down, to ensure their sound remains potent. Musicians use specialized mallets made from guava or rosewood wrapped in animal skin to produce rich, resonant tones.
Preservation Efforts and Recognition
Efforts to sustain this cultural heritage are ongoing. As of 2024, the Hoa Binh region is home to approximately 15,000 gongs, with more than 10,000 individuals skilled in playing them. There are also 224 Muong Gong clubs active in the area, and over 30 traditional melodies of the gongs have been documented and preserved.
In recent years, the Muong gongs have received increased recognition. The province of Hoa Binh has set Guinness World Records for the largest gong performances in 2011 and 2016, showcasing their cultural importance. In 2016, the “Muong Gong Art” was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Dedicated artisans continue to teach the art of gong playing. Prominent craftsmen like Nguyen Thi Hinh and Bui Van Lung play integral roles in this cultural transmission.
On a spring day, amidst the mountainous landscapes, the enchanting sounds of Muong gongs vividly illustrate the harmony between nature and cultural tradition. It is a sound that connects the past with the present, ensuring a bright future for this beloved musical heritage.
