Mo Muong is a rite of reciting Mo (poetry) during rituals of the Muong people, in which the Thay mo (shaman) plays the main role. The shaman knows by heart not only tens of thousands of lines of Mo but also traditional rituals and customs.
In Muong society, the shaman is an intellectual and a reputable person in the community. Mo Muong has a long history, spanning centuries and has helped to nurture the characteristics and soul of the Muong people.
Mo Muong recitations are part of 23 Muong rituals, including funerals, in which tens of thousands of Mo lines are recited throughout 12 days and nights, which demonstrates the essence and core values of the Mo tradition.
Currently, there are many collections of Mo versions, of which three main ones have been published. The existence of various versions of Mo has helped expand the heritage and spiritual life of the Muong people.
In Hanoi, Mo Muong is practiced in places like Ba Vi, Thach That, and Quoc Oai district that have a significant population of Muong people.
The authorities are preparing dossiers to request that Mo Muong be recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.