The Kho Mu village in Van Chan (Yen Bai) is not as large and large as the Thai and the Tay. Often, they set up villages on the hillsides, near the water sources according to the secret system (that is, the form of arrangement is not in a certain order, there are no alleys, no barriers, only natural trails). connecting house to house). Through those folds, it is easy to impress the mountain style.



The more I learn, the more I discover the unique architecture with bold stilt culture. Indeed, around the construction of houses and traditional stilt houses, the cultural stories are customary and both spiritual and humane. The traditional Kho Mu stilt houses must be the shape: two-roofed houses (if they are white Thai style houses) or two-roof houses, gables, or four roofs (black Thai style). "Khau quail" gable roof Cauris moneta-shaped roof (chun drong klọ), symbolizing the family's desire to be rich (different from the "khau quail" of the crescent moon of the Thai people).
From ancient times, the subconscious of the Kho Mu people had to make a safe house to withstand the conditions of high mountains and deep forests. Therefore, traditional houses were born, associated with the people for thousands of years, helping them to survive, develop and avoid so many dangers by wild animals, by harsh natural disasters. To have a satisfactory home, Kho Mu people choose good woods for their frames and roofs, thanks to long-lasting kitchen smoke that creates durability. To cool and black, glossy brown, people make the floor about 2m above the ground.

The big, straight, old trees are treated as new leaves only after treatment. The house is not only enough for many generations to live together but also a place to meet cousins ​​and villagers whenever the family has a job. Therefore, the house area is usually from 60 to 80 m². Kho Mu stilt house has 3 spaces. Stovetops are made at the corner near the front stairs. Another kitchen in the second pavilion places ancestor worship, house ma ... The third kitchen is in the innermost space, just for sticky rice, cooking wine (indicating wealth and affluence). Guests should not go near these two kitchens because it is the concept that the people bring risks to the homeowners.

 Depending on the size of the house, large or small number of windows, big or small, high or low. Stemming from the collective spirit, so when building houses, households in the village often focus to work together. The owner slaughtered the pigs and killed the chickens to make meals for the whole family to eat. When the house was finished, the family would organize a fun evening at home. On this occasion, beautiful men and women, even many elderly people come to bless the owner. They perform many musical instruments such as gongs, pí tít, tonic sounds, counted la la, together dance the dance "increase bu, increase bảnh". In particular, it is indispensable to “co càng grang” (fish dance) to express the love and aspirations of a new and increasingly happy life in a new place.

In case of house repair, the landlord must repair the ceremony, called Soi gang. The funeral rites are held in the nave where the ancestor altar and offerings must be made. After praying to the ancestors, parents (including the house ghost) to witness and protect the children and the homeowners continue the ceremony to call the "soul" of the gong (including male gong, female gong and young gong). Yes, the new gong is allowed to hit for everyone happy with the family after that. In short, traditional stilt houses of the Kho Mu people express the characteristics, feelings and lifestyles of a ethnic group. Luckily in Nghia Son commune (the only settlement of the Kho Mu people), the number of traditional stilt houses is still quite large.

Kho Mu stilt house is a beloved house that has molded the spirit of a ethnic group with a high sense of community with a structure, harmony among family members and clans. A stilt house is a bridge between people and the universe; It is a place of trust between people and gods and a place to store spiritual values. It is also a cultural symbol of identity when upland economy plays an important role in their lives. Kho Mu stilt house is considered a living art museum, not only with the architecture but also reflects the inherent role and function of the stilt house. This place always gives Kho Mu people a familiar, close, warm image, increasingly intertwined between generations today and tomorrow. Thinking of the Kho Mu stilt culture and its owners are day and night overcome difficulties, rise to master, build an innovation homeland.