INTANGIBLE TRADITONS OF HUMANITY BY UNESCO - GONG CULTURAL SPACE

Central Highlands gong cultural space is one of Vietnam's special intangible cultural heritages. Recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible traditions of humanity on November 25, 2005, the Central Highlands gong cultural space has become a destination attracting the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists. . With special cultural and spiritual values, the Central Highlands gong cultural space carries with it the wild and mysterious beauty of the Central Highlands. Let's learn about the Central Highlands gong cultural space and the special values it brings to people.

Gongs of the Central Highlands: Echoes of the mountains and forests

Gongs are a long-standing musical instrument in the culture of the Central Highlands people. Gongs are traditional percussion instruments, made of brass, round like a hat, about 20 cm to 60 cm in diameter, with or without a knob in the middle. Artists use wooden sticks wrapped in soft cloth or use their hands to beat. The louder the gong, the deeper the sound; the softer the gong, the higher the sound. Regarding origin, according to some researchers, gongs are "descendants" of stone instruments. Before the bronze culture, the ancients sought stone instruments: stone gongs, stone gongs... bamboo, then in the Bronze Age, there were bronze gongs... The sound of gongs rang out in space. The vastness of the Central Highlands has become a symbol of the culture and spirituality of the people here. The Central Highlands gong cultural space spreads throughout the five provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong and the owners of this unique cultural form are residents of the Central Highlands ethnic groups: Bana, Xedang , Mnong, Coho, Romam, Ede, Giarai...

The art of playing gongs of the Central Highlands people

The art of playing gongs of the Central Highlands people is a special and attractive thing. It is not simply about playing gongs to create beautiful sounds, but also an art that requires sophistication and dexterity. Playing gongs not only requires skills in rhythm and hand movements, but also a deep understanding of the music and spirituality of the Central Highlands people. Artists can use them in groups or sets of gongs. Each set has from 2 to 12 gongs, there are also sets of 18 to 20 gongs like the Gia Rai gong set, or used alone. The Central Highlands gong orchestra is organized as an orchestra that can perform polyphonic music with different harmonies.

To play gongs, one must strike the right rhythm and create harmonious sounds. This requires the player's precision and ability to control the gong. In addition, playing gongs must also be combined with dance steps and rhythmic movements to create a perfect performance.

For the people of the Central Highlands, gongs are not only a musical instrument but also a means of communication and connection in the community. Regularly organizing gong playing sessions and competitions between villages is an annual activity of the people of the Central Highlands, thereby creating a special cultural space and connection between community members.

Explore the cultural and spiritual meaning of Central Highlands gongs

Central Highlands gongs are not simply a musical instrument but also carry special cultural and spiritual values of the Central Highlands people. For them, gongs are an indispensable part of life and daily activities.

Culture

Central Highlands gongs are a symbol of Central Highlands culture. It is considered an indispensable part of the festivals and rituals of the people here. Regularly organizing gong playing sessions and competitions between villages is an annual activity of the people of the Central Highlands, thereby creating a special cultural space and connection between community members.

In addition, gongs are also a means to convey and preserve the cultural values of the Central Highlands people. The songs and dances that accompany gong playing often have content related to the lives and traditions of the people here. The transmission of these values through gongs has helped maintain and develop Central Highlands culture throughout the centuries.

Spirituality

Central Highlands gongs also carry a special spiritual meaning. According to the beliefs of the Central Highlands people, gongs are a means to communicate with gods and ancestors. When playing gongs, people believe that the sound of the gongs will be heard and responded to by gods and ancestors. This shows that gongs are not only a musical instrument but also play an important role in maintaining and developing the spiritual beliefs of the Central Highlands people. According to the beliefs of the Central Highlands people, behind each gong there is a deity. The older the gong, the higher the power of the god. Gongs are also valuable assets, symbols of power and wealth.

Where can we see Central Highlands Gong culture?

The Central Highlands Gong Festival is held annually, alternating between the provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong. The festival aims to promote tourism and gong culture in particular and the culture of the Central Highlands provinces in general. Here, the festival space will be recreated in accordance with the colors of the ethnic groups, promoting inherent traditional values. Every year, the gong festival will be held in combination with typical rituals and festivals of each province and ethnic group.

Efforts to preserve and spread the gong heritage of the Central Highlands

To preserve and promote the value of the Central Highlands gong cultural space, many efforts have been made. Local authorities have built gong cultural tourist areas in the Central Highlands to create conditions for tourists to experience and learn about this heritage. In addition, activities such as organizing gong playing sessions and competitions between villages are also carried out regularly to maintain and develop the Central Highlands gong cultural space.

In addition, spreading the gong heritage of the Central Highlands is also of concern. Television programs, documents and books related to Central Highlands gongs have been produced and published to introduce the value of this heritage to the domestic and foreign public.

Conclude

The Central Highlands gong cultural space is an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, carrying special cultural, spiritual and social values. It is a symbol of Vietnamese cultural identity and is facing many challenges in preserving and promoting its value. To maintain and develop the Central Highlands gong cultural space, there needs to be a combination between the government and people in maintaining gong-related activities and spreading the value of this heritage to the public. . Only when the value of the Central Highlands gong cultural space is preserved and promoted, can we understand and appreciate its importance in the development of Vietnamese culture.