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The meaning of crossbow in the culture life of ethnic minority people

TQO - In the past, the crossbow has had great significance in the lives of local people in mountainous regions. Today, it still holds a special meaning as a symbol of their strength and courage.

The crossbow is a weapon to protect the village against wild animals. In addition, it is a tool for people hunting. The body of the crossbow is usually made of flexible wood to avoid warping. The bow is made of old bamboo with high hardness and elasticity. Bow strings are made from forest strings, dried and then braided into yarns. Arrows are also made of old bamboo with a length of 40cm to 50 cm.

The highland people organise crossbow shooting contest on the occasion of Tet holidays or festivals such as the harvest season of rice and ancestral worship ritual. Through competition, villager will select talented people regardless of boys or girls.

Today, crossbow shooting has become a traditional sport of ethnic minorities. Many people are interested in this sport because of its simplicity, without having to invest much. Competition equipment is made by the athletes themselves. However, this is a sport that requires high accuracy, so it must be practiced regularly and continuously.

Currently, Tuyen Quang Province has orientations to encourage localities to regularly open crossbow shooting contests in hamlets and villages in order to develop this sport.

Mai Linh

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