The Fireplace Has Often Been Likened Compared To A The Soul Of The Muong 's Houses

The Muong ethnic group's houses are often built on hill sides, mountain foot or around valleys. Before building a house, they often choose the position and building aspect for the house.

If those factor are well chosen, they believe that the owner of the house will enjoy business prosperity and all members of the family will be healthy. If the building aspect is not met, at least the position of the house must be good, that means: the front of the house must face the flat, be near the river(s) or stream(s). The back of the house if leant against the mountains is fine, but in front, mountains must be a bit far-away; also there must not be valeu at the back of the house. The Muong plant jacks, areca trees and farm products around their houses.

A traditional house of the Muong ethnic group is house on stilts, made of wood, bamboos or palm leaves.

In the Muong's spirit, the god of fire is the best respected, thus, they often burn incenses nearby their kitchen on the occasions of festivals and Tet holidays. The Muong welcome guests in the kitchen, so beside bench, bamboo bed (ken) they put a small table for putting tea-set, betel and areca. Above the kitchen is a three-level smoking-seft that made of bamboo for putting utensils: bamboo frame, basket... Besides the kitchen are some jars that containing fermented cold rice, sour shoot, fish salting ... some steamers for steaming food, even vegetables. Speakingly, a corner of kitchen reflects somewhat of activities life of the Muong people.

A smoking-shelf of the Muong ethnic group consists of three storeys, with the siza of the kitchen-frame. The lowest level is used to handle cooking facilities such as sticks, basket, salt container... The second one is used for drying firewood, maitaining food and baskets... Bamboo frames, bells, papooses bamboo splints are put on the top storey.