Ethnic soul
19:21 04/03/2009

Considered the heart and soul of a village, nha rong – long communal houses raised up on stilts – are impressive first sights for visitors arriving in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.  

Inhabited by ethnic minority groups, nha rong dwellings stand like an imposing axe against the sky, symbols of community strength amongst Vietnam’s central provinces of Dak Lak, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Lam Dong and Dak Nong.

The immense dimensions of nha rong are breathtaking. While each ethnic group has its own unique style, the traditional architecture remains the same. Notably, there are no iron nails or pins of any kind in nha rong construction. The only material used as a fastener is rattan, as can be seen in the structures’ massive thatched-roofs.

A nha rong stands in the center of every ethnic village as a symbol for the strength of the community. Every part of the structure is created by skillful human hands, and only simple tools like axes, knives and hooks are employed – along with strength and wisdom – in the assembly of the houses.

Called a buon or lang, ethnic villages derive their names from mountains, rivers and forests. The cultural values of the ethnic peoples in the Central Highlands are clear. Nature is everything and their very existence relies on a careful balance, understanding and reverence for the environment. A nha rong, which provides a perfect setting, is constructed of entirely natural materials, to give praise and reflect on the bounty of nature.

Among many other uses, the buildings serve as a venue for meetings – led by the village’s oldest patriarchs – to discuss significant issues related to community matters. The nha rong is also where traditional festivals are held to receive and bid farewell to honored guests and a place where young boys and girls can meet, socialize and eventually wed.

Typically, a nha rong is 10 meters long, four meters wide and 8 - 16 meters high. The house is usually decorated with gongs, drums, bows, arrows and weapons. In the middle stands a large pillar inscribed with names of saints or deities.

A ladder leading up to the nha rong usually has from seven to nine steps with its upper rungs intricately decorated. The Ba Na people, for instance, adorn their ladders with images of rau don (a type of plant belonging to the fern family), which symbolizes the community’s wealth and growth.

The J’rai people, on the other hand, favor the use of gourd shapes, while the Gie Trieng and Xe Dang are fond of gong imagery. The larger and more beautiful the nha rong, the more prosperous the village is thought to be.

The history of nha rong began long ago, when, in order to seek protection from the elements, wild animals and a myriad of environmental threats, different ethnic minority groups would gather together in a united, communal house. It was mutually beneficial to all and served as a symbol of harmonious polytheism.

The heritage of nha rong in the Central Highlands is well respected and passed down to each generation. A place to pray and give thanks to nature, the nha rong is the most sacred spiritual symbol in any ethnic minority village.

Reported by Phuc Hy

Source : thanhniennews.com