YênBái - A range of activities to enjoy the custom of pounding “banh day” (round glutinous rice cakes) of the H’mong ethnic minority people were held recently at the Yen Bai Provincial Museum in Yen Bai city, attracting students from local schools.

H’mong students from the Yen Bai Culture, Arts, and Tourism College demonstrate pounding "day” cakes.

"Day” cakes are a traditional dish and an indispensable part of H’mong festivals.

The cakes are not only a symbol of love and loyalty among H’mong men and women but also symbolise the moon and the sun, the origin of humans, and all things on earth.

Students had the opportunity to take part in making a "day” cake, from soaking, washing, and steaming sticky rice to pounding and moulding the cake. It is hoped this will help them appreciate and preserve the traditional culture of local ethnic minority groups.

Other activities such as throwing "pao”, mandarin square capturing, and playing H’mong flutes were also featured. 

 

Students try pounding a "day” cake. 

 

Students from the province’s ethnic minority boarding school shape "day” cakes. 

Walking on stilts is also an interesting experience for the students.

 

Students take part in the throwing "pao” ball game.

 

Mandarin square capturing - a childhood game of Vietnamese children.

Minh Huyen - Hoai Van