The Stieng people "love weaving and are intoxicated by the sound of gongs"

For generations, the color of brocade and the beat of gongs have echoed and been present in many unique festivals of the Stieng people. It was thought that this cultural feature would easily be lost in modern life, but the Stieng people in Tan Hung commune (Dong Nai province) have "renewed" this culture in a unique way to preserve and spread this beauty to everyone.

Excited that their culture is accepted by tourists, every afternoon, members of the Gong Group of Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet enthusiastically practice at the hamlet's cultural house. Photo: VIET DOI

Currently, periodically on weekends or holidays, the Gong Group of Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet (Tan Hung commune) often performs at Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area (Tay Ninh province) and Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site (Ho Chi Minh City). Through that, they promote the unique image of the Stieng people to everyone.

Gongs and drums reach far and wide

For the Stieng people, for generations, gongs have been their soul. The music from these instruments is their message and prayer to the gods in their special festivals. For the members of the Tra Thanh - Lo O Gong Group, in addition to serving cultural festivals, they also connect with other clubs and some tourist destinations to perform gongs and promote the image of their people.

For the Stieng people, gongs are not only musical instruments, but also the voice of the soul and memories of the community. During the festival, the sound of gongs blends with the dance, everyone holds hands to form a warm circle. During the performances, many tourists have "integrated" into our culture, thereby helping the Stieng people to be more proud and try to practice and maintain their unique identity.

Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area and Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site are two places where the group regularly participates in performances and leaves a good impression on the locals and tourists. Each trip is a time to promote the cultural identity of the ethnic group, so that people can understand and love the culture of the Stieng ethnic group. After 3 years of establishment, all members are proud of the joy they have achieved. No matter how busy they are, every afternoon, they go to the hamlet cultural house together, practice playing gongs, and maintain traditional dances.

Ms. Dieu Thi Hong, a member of the Gong Group of Tra Thanh hamlet - Lo O, excitedly said: "When we perform and receive cheers from tourists, we feel happy and excited. From that, we can see that the culture of the Stieng ethnic group is very unique and we must take responsibility to preserve it."

Mr. Dieu Dep is the leader of the Gong Group of Tra Thanh - Lo O hamlet with about 30 members. According to Mr. Dieu Dep, when joining the group, members who already know the skills will guide those who do not know. Men learn to play gongs, women dance, learn to sing...; in which the children in the hamlet are all allowed to participate, because this is the next generation, preserving the resounding sounds of this great forest.

"Innovative" brocade

Having taken a fashion design class and realizing the shortcomings in the business and consumption of traditional brocade products, Ms. Thi Xinh, Head of the Brocade Weaving Group in Tra Thanh Hamlet - Lo O (Tan Hung Commune) has boldly chosen a new direction for this product. "Innovating" brocade, combining traditional brocade and modern garment materials to create a product suitable for living conditions and needs is the method that she and the members of the group are implementing.

“Pure brocade is very beautiful but is picky about buyers, so I thought I had to create many different sets, both traditional and modern, to reach many customers. From there, I would contribute to creating jobs for members and preserving the profession of my people” - Ms. Thi Xinh said.

Ms. Thi Gion is one of the long-time brocade weavers and is very passionate about this job in Tra Thanh hamlet - Lo O. She calculated that a well-made brocade with sharp and beautiful patterns usually takes a weaver about 3-5 months, and sells for 2-3 million VND. "With the new direction of the group members, I believe that is the way to give brocade a new image, softer but still imbued with the typical cultural features of the Stieng people" - Ms. Thi Gion shared.

Each beat of the gong and drum today is a reminder: "Heritage only truly lives when it is spread."

Since its inception and operation until now, members, especially young people, have brought these "innovative" products to perform in many cultural activities inside and outside the province. In particular, members of the weaving group also participated with the gong group to perform in provinces and cities such as: Hanoi , Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City... On the background music of gongs, the Stieng girls in modern brocade costumes with typical dances create interest and curiosity for tourists. From there, it shows the initial effectiveness of the "self-discovery and self-renewal" of the Stieng people in preserving and spreading their culture.

In addition to establishing the Brocade Start-up Group; participating in performances at tourist attractions, currently, women's associations at all levels, especially the Stieng people, have maintained the model of the Beauty of Brocade Uniform. Thereby, it has motivated and encouraged the Stieng people from young to old in Tan Hung commune to wear brocade costumes, from traditional to modern, when going to public and crowded places.

For generations, gongs have been a musical sound, brocade a costume in small hamlets and villages in the great forest. However, now, the sound of gongs and brocade has transcended the limits, bringing the sacred spirit of the mountains and forests to many places.

Thanh Nga

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/tin-moi/202509/nguoi-stieng-yeu-nghe-det-say-tieng-chieng-8690265/