Eo Village preserves the cultural identity of the Dao Thanh Y

Home to a community made up entirely of the Dao Thanh Y ethnic group, Eo Village in Xuan Van Commune has long upheld the preservation and promotion of its traditional cultural identity in daily life. Through the activities of the Club for Preserving and Promoting Dao Thanh Y Cultural Identity, many valuable traditions such as Pao dung folk singing, traditional dances, embroidery of ethnic costumes and the making of “gu” square sticky rice cakes have been maintained and passed down from generation to generation.

Members of the club preserving the traditional embroidery craft of the Dao Thanh Y in Eo Village.

Established in 2005, the club is one of the earliest ethnic cultural preservation models in Xuan Van Commune. From an initial 28 members, it has now grown to 34, with elderly members playing a central role in teaching traditional songs, dances and embroidery techniques to younger generations.

Alongside cultural activities, several traditional practices have been sustained in connection with livelihood development. Notably, the making of banh chung gu - a distinctive traditional cake of the Dao Thanh Y, has become a familiar product at local markets. Carefully prepared from selected glutinous rice, soaked in ash water from forest plants and boiled over wood fires for many hours, the cakes offer a unique flavor and provide additional income for local households.

Significantly, some club members have actively used social media platforms to introduce and sell hand-embroidered traditional costumes, expanding their customer base to other provinces. These products not only meet community needs but also help affirm the cultural value and craftsmanship of the Dao Thanh Y people.

Through practical and creative approaches, the cultural club in Eo Village has played an important role in preserving and spreading Dao Thanh Y cultural heritage, ensuring that traditional values continue to thrive within the community and reach a wider audience.

Huyen Linh