Dieu Set village elder in Thuan Loi commune introduces the gong culture of his nation

For generations, gongs have been closely associated with community life, rituals and traditional festivals of the S'tieng people in general and in Dong Phu in particular. Therefore, the preservation and promotion of gong culture is always concerned and focused by all levels and branches in the district. Thereby, contributing to preserving the good traditional values of the S'tieng people in Dong Phu.

Preserving and promoting the value of gong culture

Thuan Tien hamlet, Thuan Loi commune is typical in preserving and promoting the unique culture of the S'tieng people in Dong Phu. The whole hamlet has 350 households with 1,476 people, of which 80% of the population are S'tieng people. Currently, the hamlet still preserves 2 sets of gongs, maintains a gong team of 7 people, a performance team of 12 people, a team to push sticks, a team to shoot crossbows and more than 10 families doing brocade weaving and basket weaving.

Prominent in that movement is the village elder Dieu Set. He is one of those people who are passionate about national culture. Especially preserving and promoting the value of gongs. Whenever anyone mentions gongs, he can talk passionately all day. He said: “The S'tieng people have many traditional musical instruments, such as drums, lutes, flutes... But the gong is the most typical and sacred instrument. For the S'tieng people, gongs are invaluable assets, a cultural feature imbued with time and space. It is also a symbol of the material and spiritual strength of the S'tieng people.

In particular, gongs are a bridge for people to send their thoughts and aspirations to heaven and earth, the gods, and pray for good things for family life. Therefore, not just a traditional musical instrument, the gong is a spiritual food, an indispensable "religion" throughout the life of the S'tieng people, from birth, labor, and marriage. .. until returning to the ancestors. Dieu Vinh, who has been with this unique heritage for a long time, said: “Gongs are the unique identity of the S'tieng people. It is as attached as flesh and blood, creating the cultural values of the people. Every time we perform gongs, we feel proud. In addition to the basic tunes, we also created and modified the gong sound to the revolutionary music praising the Party and Uncle Ho.

Mr. Dieu Mi was taught by Mr. Dieu Vinh and now knows how to use and understand the unique artistic value of gongs. He feels proud to be the next generation to preserve the typical cultural values of his compatriots. Mr. Dieu Mi said: "Watching the uncles and uncles practice, each gong beat has been absorbed in me at times. At first, I found it a bit difficult to practice, but then I was passionate and interested. The art of beating the gong is difficult, but adjusting the gong is even more difficult, requiring knowledge. In addition, all the gongs in the set of gongs must be used. From there, we can feel and absorb sound accurately. I believe that together with the gong team of Thuan Tien hamlet, the gong lessons of Mr. Dieu Vinh will contribute positively to the restoration and promotion of the gong cultural value of the S'tieng people."

Let the sound of gongs resound forever

In order to promote the gong culture in community life, every year Dong Phu district organizes cultural and sports activities of ethnic minorities. Especially on holidays, Tet, national unity festival... Especially once every two years, the district organizes cultural and sports festivals of ethnic minorities to create conditions for ethnic groups to improve their lives. spirit, understanding, solidarity, mutual assistance and development.

However, preserving and promoting the value of gong culture is currently facing many difficulties. Dieu Set village elder shared: “Currently, the transmission of gongs is mainly done by word of mouth and direct instruction. Not everyone can teach and learn gongs. Old people are getting old. Young people know very little about gongs. Finding people to maintain and continue the gong culture circuit is not easy. These are big barriers, but we will try to mobilize people who are knowledgeable to keep the movement active. From there, creating vitality for the S'tieng gong".

How to make the sound of gongs and folk songs of the ethnic minorities resound and bustle in daily life, the S'tieng people in particular and the ethnic groups in general want the government to continue to care. focus, create conditions on policy and support funding. At the same time, as well as strengthening connection activities for people to participate in performances, providing opportunities for exchange and learning for young people nearby.