Preserving cultural identity – Sowing seeds of happiness from a model borderland family

The International Day of Happiness (March 20) offers an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the foundational values that underpin sustainable happiness. For ethnic minority communities, happiness is not only about material well-being but is also nurtured through the preservation and transmission of cultural identity. In Bu Gia Map commune, Dong Nai province, the family of Dieu Von stands out as a vivid example of the close link between cultural preservation and family happiness.

Preserving identity through simple things

In Bu Gia Map commune, the family of Dieu Von (Bu Dot hamlet) has long been recognized as a typical model in preserving the cultural identity of the M’nong people. Beyond maintaining their mother tongue, the family also preserves traditional attire, crafts, and customs in their daily lives.

Amid the risk of many traditional values fading away, cultural preservation within Dieu Von’s family is not merely superficial but is practiced naturally and consistently. From handwoven brocade fabrics and familiar bamboo baskets to the resonant sounds of gongs during family gatherings, all contribute to a vibrant cultural space, a space that is continuously preserved and passed down through generations.

The family of Dieu Von gathers together every weekend. Photo: Dao Bang

According to Dieu Von, preserving culture must begin with the simplest things in daily life. To maintain the native language for younger generations, his family regularly communicates in their mother tongue during daily activities. From greetings and eating to studying, children are guided in using the M’nong language, gradually forming habits and internalizing their linguistic heritage.

Beyond language, he also directly teaches his children and grandchildren about traditional customs, practices, and crafts. He emphasized that education must start early to protect cultural heritage from fading away, “Adults need to teach children from a very young age so they understand they are M’nong, know how to speak the M’nong language, play gongs, and understand the festivals and customs of their people.” This persistence in everyday practices has ensured that cultural values are not interrupted but continue to exist naturally within family life.

Dieu Von accompanies his grandchildren in daily activities. Photo: Dao Bang

Passing down values, spreading happiness

Traditional cultural values in Dieu Von’s family are not only preserved but also actively carried on and promoted across generations, fostering strong and lasting bonds within the household. Nguyen Van Du, Dieu Von’s son-in-law, shared that living in a culturally rich environment has helped him gain a deeper understanding of M’nong traditions: “The abundance of M’nong people’s culture is reflected in basket weaving, brocade weaving, and gong performances in festivals. These are values that must be maintained in the long term to pass on to future generations.”

The transmission of cultural values is closely associated with the coming-of-age of family members. Despite past hardships, Dieu Von always prioritized education for his children. As a result, all of them now have stable employment and continue contributing to the local community. Dieu Thi Hoa, who works at Bu Gia Map National Park, said, "My father always reminds us to strive in our work. From him, I have learned not only diligence but also a deep love for our cultural heritage, which strengthens my commitment to my current job.”

Dieu Von’s family members share techniques for weaving brocade. Photo: Dao Bang.

Meanwhile, working in the socio-cultural sector of Bu Gia Map commune, Dieu Thi Nuong expressed that “I am proud of my family’s efforts to preserve M’nong traditions. From a young age, my siblings and I were taught to play gongs, weave baskets, and produce brocade. Through my current work, I am even more aware of my responsibility to promote and preserve cultural identity among younger generations."

From an exemplary family, the cultural preservation model in Bu Gia Map is gradually being expanded. Many households have actively engaged in maintaining their language, traditional attire, and customs. Tran Quang Binh, Vice Chairman of the Bu Gia Map Commune People’s Committee, noted, "The family of Dieu Von is a typical example of preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the M’nong people. Building on that, the locality has strengthened communication efforts, replicated good practices, and coordinated with mass organizations to organize cultural activities and transmission programs, contributing to the development of grassroots cultural life.”

Dieu Von’s family meal is simple yet rich in M’nong cultural identity, featuring rustic dishes such as steamed fish and traditional soup, etc. Photo: Dao Bang

The reality of Dieu Von’s family shows that preserving cultural identity is not something distant, it begins within each household. When the mother tongue, customs, and traditional crafts are maintained in daily life, they become a sustainable foundation for family happiness. In the context of integration, cultural preservation requires the joint efforts of communities, local authorities, and mass organizations. From exemplary models like those in Bu Gia Map commune, traditional values continue to be preserved and spread, contributing to the building of a harmonious and sustainable society.

By Dao Bang – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha