What is Mo Muong? Concept and Three Core Elements
Mo Muong is a distinctive folk belief practice of the Muong people, composed of three main elements: the performance environment, the mo verses, and the mo artisans (mo masters). Unlike many other forms of performing arts, Mo Muong is not merely a form of entertainment or folk art. It is a sacred belief practice, closely connected to the entire life cycle of the Muong people, from birth, through adulthood, to death.
According to researchers, Mo Muong is a living encyclopedia of the cosmology, worldview, and human philosophy of the ancient Muong people. The mo verses are expressed in poetic form, containing many ancient tales, myths, legends, and even grand epics like "De dat de nuoc" (Birth of the Earth and Water). These stories not only explain the origins of all things, from the birth of earth, water, and humans, to the discovery of fire, rice cultivation, weaving, and house building, but also reflect the history, social life, and ethical values of the community.
Among these, the mo verses are considered the most important element, closely tied to the performer. Each mo piece is a work of verbal art, passed down orally from generation to generation, bearing the creative and intellectual imprint of the Muong people.
The Role of Mo Muong in the Life Cycle of the Muong People
Mo Muong appears not only in funerals but also in many important events of individual and community life, serving as a thread connecting people to the spiritual world.
From Birth to Adulthood
When a Muong child cries for the first time, the mo master is invited to pray for the child to eat well, grow quickly, and be healthy. Throughout life, when facing illness or disease, the Muong people turn to the mo master to perform ceremonies for peace, to ward off misfortunes, and to expel evil spirits. Upon reaching adulthood, the mo master continues to accompany important rituals such as weddings (worshipping the ancestors of both families before the bride is welcomed), housewarming ceremonies, house purification rituals, and prayers for health and peace for the household.
Funerals: The Final Journey Back to Muong Troi
However, the most important and prominent role of the mo master is in funerals. The Muong people believe that "death is not the end." When a person passes away, their soul embarks on a challenging journey to the afterlife, also known as Muong Ma (Muong Troi). Without the mo master to guide the way, the soul would get lost and be unable to reunite with the ancestors.
The mo master acts as a bridge, guiding the deceased's soul through the difficulties of the underworld, which is initially dark and unfamiliar. Through the mo verses, he instructs the soul on how to eat and drink, how to recognize deceased relatives, to reclaim fields, houses, and to know the paths to return, so that it can bless and protect the descendants left behind.
Funeral Rituals and the Mo Verses of Farewell
The funeral of the Muong people is a complex set of rituals, in which Mo Muong plays a central role throughout the entire process.
Structure and Ritual Process
According to research documents, traditional Muong funerals can last several days. Each stage of the funeral is associated with specific mo verses, performing different tasks, from preparing the soul, expressing filial piety to parents, to sending the soul off to the ancestors. The performance environment of Mo Muong in funerals is typically the stilt house space where the coffin is placed, with the participation of family, relatives, villagers, and especially the mo masters.
The Narrative Mo (Mo tlêu)
One of the most important and distinctive parts of Mo Muong in funerals is the narrative mo (Mo tlêu), also known as Mo De dat de nuoc. These are long epic verses, performed by the mo master, recounting the story of the formation of the universe and the history of the Muong people. Recounting these stories is not only to explain origins but also to remind the living of their roots and traditional values, while helping the deceased's soul understand its journey within the historical flow of the people.
Humanistic Values and Moral Lessons
Beyond ritual value, the mo verses in funerals also carry profound humanistic significance. Through the mo master's words, the deceased can convey advice to their descendants: to live with compassion, love, and respect for others; siblings in the family must always know how to yield, sympathize, and forgive each other. Lessons on ethics and behavior within family and society are naturally woven into the mo verses, effectively educating future generations.
Outstanding Values of Mo Muong
According to researchers and artisans, Mo Muong has many outstanding values that extend beyond a local ritual.
Epic and Historical Value
Mo Muong is likened to a colossal epic, recording stories related to the history of the people and humanity. From the birth of earth, water, and humans, during the time of living in caves, to the discovery of fire, silk, rice, house building, family formation, bronze tool making, and palace construction. These stories are not only of literary value but also serve as valuable material for historians and cultural researchers.
Spiritual and Customary Value
Mo Muong vividly reflects the rich spiritual life of the Muong people. Conceptions of life and death, the afterlife, and the relationship between the living and the dead are clearly expressed through rituals and mo verses. This helps maintain and strengthen social relationships, family and clan ties within the community.
Artistic and Linguistic Value
The mo verses are outstanding folk literary works with rich imagery and rhythm. The mo master's performance is also a unique performing art, combining speech, tone, and gestures. Mo Muong also contains profound philosophical thoughts about the universe and humanity.
Current Status and Challenges in Modern Life
In modern life, Mo Muong faces many risks of decline. New funeral regulations, along with the influx of other cultures, have strongly impacted the practice of Mo Muong.
Simplification of Rituals
According to researchers, since the 1960s, Muong funerals have been reduced to 48 hours. To adapt, artisans and communities have had to simplify about 50% of the rituals. The narrative mo (Mo tlêu) now retains only two short stories, mainly "De dat, de trung dieng" and "De Ta Can." This simplification, though necessary, has lost a large part of the cultural and artistic value of the heritage.
Risk of Decline and Succession
Statistics show that the number of mo masters still actively practicing is decreasing. For example, in Hanoi, where many Muong people live, only about 7 mo masters remain active. The oldest is 86 years old, while the youngest is 28. The large generational gap, coupled with few young people learning, directly threatens the heritage's survival.
Efforts to Preserve and Promote Heritage Values
Facing these challenges, many solutions have been and are being implemented to preserve and promote the value of Mo Muong.
Heritage Listing and UNESCO Dossier
Mo Muong has been inscribed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Provinces and cities with this heritage, such as Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Son La, Dak Lak, and Hanoi, are collaborating to build a national dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition of Mo Muong as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The inscription is not only a recognition of value but also a basis for mobilizing conservation resources.
Comprehensive Conservation Solutions
Experts and cultural managers propose various synchronized solutions, such as:
- Documenting the heritage: Conduct research, surveys, statistics, and assessments of the current state of Mo Muong heritage in localities to develop targeted investment solutions.
- Supporting artisans: Establish mechanisms and policies to encourage reputable mo masters through conferring the title of Meritorious Artisan, providing material and spiritual support to motivate them to teach younger generations.
- Raising community awareness: Enhance communication so that the community, the creators of the heritage, understand their role and responsibility in protecting and promoting heritage values.
- Promoting the heritage: Translate mo verses into English and other languages, organize scientific seminars and exchange programs to introduce Mo Muong to international friends.
- Building networks: Establish a nationwide Mo Muong network to enhance exchange and learning of experiences among localities and artisans.
Mo Muong in funerals is not just a ritual to bid farewell to the deceased, but also an invaluable cultural heritage containing the wisdom, soul, and identity of the Muong people. Preserving and promoting this heritage is not only the responsibility of the Muong community but also of the whole society, so that the mo verses continue to resonate, guiding souls back to their ancestors and preserving the cultural essence for generations to come.
