Amidst the majestic mountains and forests of Trà Leng, where cinnamon forests stretch endlessly and clouds shroud the peaks year-round at an altitude of about 1,500m, the sound of gongs still resonates like the very breath of the wilderness. More than just a traditional art form, gongs are an indispensable part of the cultural and spiritual life of the Ca Dong, Xơ Đăng, and Mơ Nông people here.
Gong Sounds Connected to Community Life
For the people of Trà Leng, gongs are not merely musical instruments used in festivals. The sound of gongs is present in many important community rituals such as the new rice ceremony, rain-calling ceremony, weddings, or traditional cultural activities of the villages. Each resounding gong beat carries its own meaning, expressing the connection between humans and nature, and between the community and spiritual life. For the highland people, the sound of gongs is not just for listening but also a way to preserve memories, transmit history, and foster solidarity across generations.
Village elders in Trà Leng say that from a young age, many have heard the sound of gongs during village festivals. Over time, gong art has become a part of daily life and a source of cultural pride for the local community.
Preserving the “Soul” of the Wilderness
Currently, amidst the changes of modern life, the preservation of gong culture is receiving special attention from the local authorities. Many cultural exchange activities, gong performances, and teaching for the younger generation are organized to preserve the traditional beauty of the highland people.
According to local authorities, preservation is not just about keeping musical instruments or ancient gong pieces, but more importantly, maintaining the community's cultural living space – where the sound of gongs truly lives within the people's lives. Besides, Trà Leng is also aiming to develop community tourism associated with local cultural experiences.
During their journey to explore the highlands, many tourists express their impression of being immersed in the gong space amidst the mountains and forests, participating in xoang dances, and learning about the lives of the Ca Dong, Xơ Đăng, and Mơ Nông people.
Spreading the Cultural Values of the Highlands
Not only famous for Quế Trà Leng or Sâm Ngọc Linh, the land of Trà Leng also preserves many unique cultural values of the Quảng Nam highlands. Among them, gong art is considered the “soul” of the villages, contributing to the unique identity of this vast mountainous region.
From vibrant gong-filled festivals to traditional rituals passed down through many generations, gong culture is still preserved by the people of Trà Leng as an integral part of the community. Amidst modern life, the echoing sound of gongs in the wilderness is not only a call of tradition but also a symbol of the enduring vitality of Trà Leng's highland culture today.
