Spreading traditional values ​​through cultural spaces

Amid the solemn political atmosphere of recent Party congresses in communes and wards across the province, the warm and inviting "cultural spaces" on the sidelines offered a moment of reflection and calm.

The cultural space at the Long Ha Commune Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term attracted many people who came to take commemorative photos. Photo: Phuong Dung

The brocade weaving looms, traditional woven baskets, and gong sets of various sizes and styles brought to the exhibition space by ethnic minorities are not merely artifacts, but also a cultural stream connecting the past with the present, inspiring the spirit of great national unity.

“Fire-spreading” space

The Congress of Party Delegates of communes and wards for the 2025-2030 term concluded successfully, leaving a strong impression of an event marked by innovation and creativity. A highlight that drew widespread appreciation was the cultural space set up alongside the congress.

Stepping into the Party Congress of Long Ha and Phu Rieng communes in Dong Nai Province, visitors are greeted by small yet striking displays. Simple wooden looms stand beside vibrant spools of thread; a few traditional gui baskets are neatly arranged; and an impressive set of gongs hangs in solemn display, as if ready to echo with the sounds of the mountains and forests.

In this space, artisans, older women together with young girls of the Stieng, sit serenely with their hands deftly guiding each strand of thread. In their eyes shines a profound pride, not only in their craft but also in their people, where each stitch carries a vow to preserve the soul of the Stieng.

However, the feelings did not come from the exhibits, but from the moments when students of Long Ha A Primary School in Long Ha Commune chattered excitedly around the artisans. They asked questions, touched the threads, and listened to old stories with sparkling eyes, eager to learn, to know, and to understand their culture more deeply.

Nguyen Khanh Huyen, a student in class 5/4 at Long Ha A Primary School, expressed: "I feel very happy and moved when I see with my own eyes the elderly women and young girls weaving brocade. I never imagined that creating a piece of brocade fabric will require such meticulousness, skill, and time. Every stitch represents the effort and love that these women dedicated to their nation's culture…"

Each artifact displayed in the cultural space carried its own story, reflecting a part of the nation's culture. Dang Anh Dung, a student in class 5/4 at Long Ha A Primary School, sat by the weaving loom, watching the women weave fabric attentively and showing considerable surprise at this unique craft. Dung shared: "Today is the first time I have seen the elderly women and young girls weaving brocade. I noticed their hands were wrinkled and calloused, yet they smiled kindly and patiently showed us each tiny thread. I hope that in the future, many children like me will also learn and preserve the culture of our nation so that our homeland remains beautiful and rich in tradition."

"We must cultivate a close-knit community where culture is honored and preserved. I hope that through these cultural spaces, the younger generation will come to love and understand the national culture more deeply, contributing to promoting endogenous strength in a sustainable way."
Provincial Party Member, Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairwoman of the People’s Council of Phu Rieng Commune NGUYEN THI XUAN HOA

Luggage to build a rich and beautiful homeland

The cultural displays on the sidelines of the recent Party Congresses in Long Ha and Phu Rieng communes left a strong impression on participants. The arrangement reflected the opening chapter of the journey to build a prosperous homeland as the beginning of a long journey to ensure that traditional culture is not forgotten. It was a start that sparked young hearts through curious eyes, hands touching the threads, and promises to keep the craft alive.

Preserving and promoting ethnic culture cannot be done in a single day or on a single occasion. The cultural spaces at the recent Party Congresses of communes and wards were not only looms, baskets, or gong sets, but the crystallization of a series of actions for the future.

Nguyen Thi Xuan Hoa, Provincial Party Member, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Phu Rieng Commune, said: "Culture is the root of national strength, especially for ethnic minority communities. Thus, during the recent congress, we aimed to create a space where people could see, touch, and experience traditional crafts. Simultaneously, we sought to convey the message that promoting traditional culture is not solely the responsibility of the authorities but also the duty of every citizen."

In many places, integrated cultural spaces that combine training, teaching, and exhibitions have remained limited and are rarely included in regular community activities. However, during the Party Congress, local authorities turned what is typically a political event into a vibrant cultural celebration, bringing culture from the margins into the heart of everyday life. These cultural spaces were organized in simple, familiar ways, reflecting a government that stays close to and understands the people. This approach opened up opportunities for residents, especially children, to experience and take pride in the cultural values of their nation.

Tran Ngoc Diep, a student in class 5/4 at Long Ha A Primary School, shared: "I feel very proud to wear the brocade shirt. It is not just a costume, but also a cultural story of my people. I want to learn how to weave brocade to help preserve this traditional craft."

From a childhood dream, perhaps one day not far off, S'tieng brocade will not only be a local cultural feature but also a tourism product, fashion item, and a work of art embraced and appreciated by many. But to get there, it must begin in small, modest cultural spaces filled with love and pride.

I believe the cultural corners of today's congress will not remain merely as memories. They will live on through woven baskets, hand-loomed brocade, the echoes of gongs ringing out at village festivals, and most importantly, in the hearts of children who grow up with them, carrying a pride that never fades.

By: Phuoc An

Translated by: Huyen Trang - Minho