English review

(DTTG) - Abstract: Vietnamese festivals are inherently a transcendental space, where people seek harmony between the individual and the community, between reality and spirituality. However, under the pressure of the market economy and the shift in social values, festivals are gradually becoming materialistic. Commercialization is not simply the appearance of buying and selling activities, but more fundamentally, it is a transformation in the nature of cultural behaviors. This article delves into an analysis of the commercialization of traditional festivals in Vietnam within the context of global integration. Through commercialization approaches, it’s not just the intrusion of buying and selling activities into sacred spaces, but also a transformation of the very nature of religious belief. With 4 core groups of causes: (1) Deviation in the spiritual consciousness of modern inhabitants; (2) Pressure for local economic growth; (3) Disruption of the community’s role as a subject; (4) Gaps in state management, from which to propose strategic solutions to restore the real value of the festival, with the community at the center of all conservation activities.

(DTTG) - Between the Truong Son mountain range, village elder Briu Thien (Bho Hoong hamlet, Song Kon commune, Da Nang city) quietly carries out what he calls “keeping the village living decently” and preserving the Co Tu culture.

(DTTG) - Abstract: This article analyzes the interactive relationship between the traditional customs and practices of ethnic minority groups and the process of building new rural areas in Vietnam. Based on a cultural-development approach, the research indicates that the customary systems of ethnic minority communities are both an endogenous resource supporting the implementation of new rural development criteria and a potential barrier in terms of behavior, perception and social institutions. By identifying positive customary factors such as community cohesion, environmental protection and identity preservation, as well as negative factors such as outdated production practices, costly rituals and conflicts between customary and legal laws, this article proposes several flexible approaches suitable to the cultural context of ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Therefore, emphasizing the role of community-based development, local institutional improvement and the harmonious combination of preserving traditional culture with promoting innovation in building new rural areas in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

(DTTG) - During the three days of Tet (Lunar New Year), many people in Da Nang city have the custom of eating carp to pray for good luck. Among them, braised carp with purple taro is very popular. The old story tells: “Once upon a time, there was a girl from a fishing village on the Vu Gia River who often treated her boyfriend from Nam Giang, who came to visit to a delicious dish of braised carp with pickled vegetables”. It’s unclear whether they were smitten with the beautiful fisherwoman or with the delicious “braised carp with pickled vegetables” dish, but the two eventually got married. Later, a folk song was passed down: “The feeling of braised carp with pickled vegetables/You braised it so well, it’s just right for my taste/Praying for peace and tranquility/For a bountiful harvest, then I’ll marry you right away…”.

(DTTG) - Every Lunar New Year, chung cake (traditional sticky rice cake) is an indispensable traditional dish in every Vietnamese family in general and in the Tay people of Tuyen Quang province in particular. Different types of chung cakes, such as humpback chung cakes, black chung cakes and green chung cakes, each carry a profound meaning and have their own unique preparation methods.

(DTTG) - The Dak Son stone xylophone set consisting of 16 exquisitely crafted stone slabs is a national treasure. The stone xylophone reflects the rich spiritual life of the indigenous peoples of the Central Highlands approximately 3,500-3,000 years ago, along with the sacred relationship between humans and the heavens, earth and spirits.

(DTTG) - Abstract: The worship of Mother Goddess is a folk belief that has existed for a long time, clearly reflecting the characteristics of Vietnam’s rice-farming culture. Regarding its origins, some researchers believe that the worship of Mother Goddess dates back to prehistoric times when the Vietnamese people worshipped natural deities combined with the highly developed belief in female deities in a matriarchal society (referring to female deities as Mother, Mau, Me), through the process of cultural transformation, the image of natural deities shifted to that of human deities. The worship of the Mother Goddess as an idol with the powers of procreation and protection for humanity of the worship belief of the Mother Goddess has helped this belief system easily integrate into folk life, taking deep root in society and the spiritual lives of each individual.

(DTTG) - Between the vibrant pace of modern life, Trang Thi Dung - a Mong woman with the brand “Hmoob Zam Zung” has breathed new life into traditional clothing, allowing Mong people’s culture to continue to thrive and shine through every stitch.

(DTTG) - With an age of over 1,000 years, recording and reflecting contemporary historical information, the Buddhist scripture pillar from the Dinh Dynasty is an extremely valuable and rare document, to be the earliest inscription from the independent feudal period in our country.

(DTTG) - The Pang A Festival is one of the most sacred community rituals of the La Ha people in Son La province - an ethnic group with a small population but a rich cultural life. Pang A not only connects the past and present but also affirms the cultural identity of the La Ha people in the time of integration and development.

(DTTG) - Abstract: Vietnamese Buddhism during the Tran Dynasty, specifically during the reign of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, not only played the role of a popular religion but also became the foundation of orthodox ideology, profoundly influencing all aspects of social life. Given its central position, Buddhism flourished during the Tran Dynasty, often referred to by historians and researchers as the period of the state religion, meaning it was the official religion and had the most profound influence on the court and the people. The vigorous, synchronized and consistent development of Buddhism during this period is considered an unprecedented peak in the nation’s history. The great missionary work of Tran Nhan Tong serves as a guiding principle for missionary work in the present context.

(DTTG) - As the last cold winds of winter slowly fade away, giving way to the warm spring breeze, the Dong Van stone plateau (Tuyen Quang province) enters its most beautiful season of the year. Against a backdrop of somber gray stones, spring flowers burst into bloom, illuminating the borderland with vibrant colors. Each flower not only heralds a new season but also carries a story about the culture, people and enduring way of life of the ethnic communities in the northernmost region of the country.

(DTTG) - The flame of national unity in the Central Highlands has become a symbol of community strength, where ethnic groups share a common will to preserve their identity and build a new life. From villages to towns, that spirit of unity continues to ignite hope and dynamism in this land rich in tradition.

(DTTG) - On the mountainside in Mu Cang Chai commune, Lao Cai province, there is a small house called the Mang Mu corn House. Upon arriving here, you feel as if you’ve stepped into a “fairytale” between the golden hues of thousands of corn cobs hanging throughout the house in an art installation style that is both humble and unique. The Mang Mu corn House whisper stories about the daily life and unique cultural identity of the Mong people in this area.

(DTTG) - The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is not just about the green sticky rice cakes and red couplets of the Kinh people, but also a “living museum” with unique and humane customs of celebrating the spring festival and welcoming the New Year of the ethnic minority communities. From a socio-cultural perspective, these rituals are bonds that unite the community, expressions of gratitude to nature and aspirations for a prosperous life preserved through generations.

(DTTG) - This Tet holiday, we invite you to Cao Bang to enjoy the Cooc mo cake of the Tay people. In the local language, “mo” means “bo”. Therefore, Cooc mo cake is also known as cow horn cake.