With a great passion for the culture of Cham ethnic people, many people in Binh Thuan province in south-central Vietnam have done their best to preserve and promote Cham heritages. Religious Elder Thường Xuân Hữu of Tuy Phong district and Ức Viết Vòng of Bac Binh district are two good examples.
The imprints of Cham culture are clearly seen, not only in architectural and sculptural works such as towers and religious statues, but also in customs, festivals, religious beliefs, language, music, and performing arts.
At a small house in Cham Lac Tri village in Tuy Phong district, Religious Elder Thường Xuân Hữu teaches the ancient Cham language to local children. The house is filled with old books.
Religious Elder Xuân Hữu learned the Cham language from older villagers. Through his hobby of reading, Hữu developed a great love of Cham culture. Recently, he got involved in collecting tangible and intangible Cham culture connected with Cham customs, wedding ceremonies, and rituals. Despite of his age, he continues to collect ancient prayers written on dzo (poonah) paper and leaves, and ancient Cham books on religion, literature, and folk songs.
“I collect and preserve valuable books about Cham culture. I hope other religious followers will continue my effort to preserve the cultural values of the Cham people,” said Religious Elder Xuân Hữu.
Ức Viết Vòng was born in Phan Thanh commune, Bac Binh district, which is considered the cradle of Cham culture in Binh Thuan province.
Working at the Center for Cham Culture Display gives Viết Vòng the opportunity to collect artifacts related to Cham culture. He spends a lot of time recording Cham cultural values at festivals like Rija Yaup, Rija Prong, and Rija Harei, and collecting folk songs. He also encourages local people to donate ancient documents and objects to the Display Center.
“The Party and State have always paid attention to preserving Cham cultural values. I hope that more Cham cultural values, especially the traditional crafts of pottery making and brocade weaving, will be preserved,” said Viết Vòng.
Viết Vòng (left). (Photo: VOV)
More than 300 objects and 200 photos, representing Cham culture in different periods are now preserved at the Center for Cham Culture Display.
Religious Elder Thường Xuân Hữu and Ức Viết Vòng were both honored at the 10th National Patriotic Emulation Congress in December, 2020.
Source: vovworld.vn
