Muong village resonates with the melodies of Thuong Rang and Bo Mang.

Hat Thuong Rang, Bo Mang is one of the cultural activities belonging to the most prominent folk art form of the Muong ethnic group, Hoa Binh province (old), now Phu Tho province. Especially, it has just been included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The soulful melodies echoing in the Muong village keep the rhythm of a lively, unique heritage, worthy of being listed.

Simple but passionate and unique

Hat Thuong Rang, Bo Mang is also called Rang Dang, Rang Thuong by the Muong people, plays an important role in the spiritual and cultural life and community customs. The Muong people created this unique lyrical folk song in the process of living, working and producing and in the folk beliefs from thousands of years ago.

Artists exchange information and perform Bo Mang melodies in a rustic space.

In Muong language, Thuong Dang means couple, Bo meng means formal conversation (talking singing). The common point is that they are performed in the style of singing - talking - chanting - praising... with narrative and dialogue between two people. The melody is passionate, chamber music so it conveys the maximum of the singer's thoughts to the partner and the listener. Therefore, Thuong Dang and Bo meng singing are not sung in duets or groups, but two groups can sing in turn to each other. The singer needs to have skills, understanding and be good at Muong language.

From the closeness, simplicity, and inspiration, the melodies of Thuong Dang and Bo Mang are expressed with all the soul and feelings of the Muong people. The rich lyrics are suitable for the unique nuances of each event and situation and are deeply imprinted and blended in the Muong village, becoming an indispensable spiritual food for the people.

Although she is 70 years old this year, the voice of Meritorious Artist Bach Thi Dao in Nat Son Commune still captivates people's hearts. Artist Dao said: "Since I was 9-10 years old, I followed my parents to listen to singing. The melodies of Thuong Rang and Bo Mang have permeated my blood, my heart and my soul. From my passion, in 2017, I founded the Muong Folk Song Teaching and Singing and Gong Playing Club, which currently has 40 members. Every 15th and 30th of every month, sweet and profound melodies echo in the Muong village."

Meritorious artist Bach Thi Dao is always devoted to the Thuong Rang and Bo Mang melodies.

Songs are sung from every house, garden, roadside, field or communal house yard, on happy occasions such as festivals, weddings... There is no need for a grand stage or loudspeakers, but the soulful, soulful melodies are enough to awaken the entire Muong region.

To tell folk stories, express gratitude, congratulate, date or teach children, praise the homeland..., Muong people can transform into moving songs. Among them, songs about love and romance are the most numerous. Through singing Thuong Rang and Bo Meng, people can express their feelings and thoughts; thereby understanding each other, living a life of love and loyalty.

Therefore, Muong folk songs are not only spiritual food but also carry deep philosophical and humanistic values; express aspirations and optimism; foster love for homeland and country, loyalty... and preserve the Muong language.

Muong village's song echoes forever

Thuong Rang and Bo Mang have been passed down from generation to generation orally. In the past, in the Muong Vang region, the lyrics of artist Quach Thi Hen were a source of encouragement in the difficult fields. This famous "singing tree" knew and could sing many Muong folk poems such as The Story of Nga and Hai Moi, Ho Lieu - Ut Lot... Every time people went to plant rice in the hot summer sun, their singing voice rose like a cool stream of water, making everyone forget all their fatigue.

Nowadays, in the modern life, Muong folk songs are at risk of being lost. Those who know how to sing are mainly middle-aged and elderly. Recognizing the importance of heritage, the Party Committees and authorities of Muong regions create conditions for the establishment of Muong singing clubs; encourage exchanges between regions. At the same time, they pay attention to proposing the title of excellent artisan for those who have made positive contributions. The old Hoa Binh province currently has 44 artisans considered for the title of excellent artisan, including 3 artisans singing Thuong Dang, the Muong ethnic group.

Muong folk song performance in a traditional stilt house.

Artists have the role of "keeping the fire" and "passing on" the passion to the next generation. In recent years, three outstanding artists: Dinh Thi Thao (Ky Son ward), Bach Thi Dao (Nat Son commune), Quach Thi Lon (Dai Dong commune) have opened free classes to teach Muong folk songs to students. Singing competitions and exchanges in the community, between Muong regions and at traditional festivals are held. The lyrics still resonate in Muong villages and there are enthusiasts like Bui Huy Vong, Bui Van Nom... who are passionate about collecting and recording folk songs to spread traditional values ​​in modern life.

Folklore researcher Bui Huy Vong, owner of the Youtube channel “Vong Bui TV” with 32,800 subscribers, shared: Since 2019, I and some enthusiastic people have connected and organized about 30 exchanges, attracting more than 100 core artists to sing Muong folk songs; recorded and posted over 3,200 videos on social networks. With quite high views and interactions, it contributes to spreading ethnic culture in the digital space.

From the passion for national culture, many Muong folk singing clubs were born and operated vigorously, gathering many famous "singers" throughout the Muong villages. In Muong Vang area alone - the old Lac Son district, there are 10 clubs, typically Muong Khu and Bai Chim clubs... The people hope to continue to have mechanisms and policies to support and encourage singing Thuong Rang and Bo Meng - a living cultural heritage, a source of nourishment for the soul and spirit of the Muong people, to remain forever like the breath and the land of Muong villages.

Cam Le

Source: https://baophutho.vn/ban-muong-ngan-vang-lan-dieu-thuong-rang-bo-meng-237306.htm