VietNamNet Bridge – Women of Doi village in the northern mountain province of Hoa Binh spare their time at noon to play “danh mang”, a folk game of Muong people.

This game is named after “mang” seed, which is used in the game. The game is very popular at festivals of Muong people.

Women in Doi village are addicted to this game. They play it every noon and don’t want to stop to return to their field work in the afternoon.

Players (at least four) are divided into two teams. Mrs. Bui Thi Hon, over 60, has played this folk game for many years. She is one of the best players in the village.

The game is quite complicated. Generally, each player places an object call “tin cho” on their knee and hits the seed with their fingers how to make “tin cho” hot mang seed, aiming at the holes in the ground.

After “tin cho” falls to the ground, players use their fingers to flip it so that it reaches the mang holes.

Only married women and old women are very keen on this game. Some women are playing the game  carrying their grandchildren.

“Playing this game is very fun and is good for health,” a woman said.

Le Anh Dung