The "fire keeper" of Cao Lan culture

At the age of 76, the distinguished artist Lac Tien Sinh is still passionate about preserving and promoting the culture of the Cao Lan ethnic group. He is considered the "fire keeper" of the Sinh ca melody, a unique folk song of the Cao Lan ethnic group that is in danger of disappearing.

Born and raised in a traditional Cao Lan family in Yen Binh commune, Lao Cai province, Mr. Lac Tien Sinh was exposed to rustic and familiar Sinh ca melodies at an early age. His passion for folk songs began to grow from his youth, when he realized that many cultural values ​​of his people were gradually fading away.

In particular, in the 80s of the last century, the late ethnic poet Cao Lan - Lam Quy came to Tan Huong (now Yen Binh commune) to collect Sinh ca songs, which further urged him to be determined to learn and preserve this folk song.

According to Mr. Sinh, Cao Lan people often sing Sinh ca on New Year's Day, sing at weddings, festivals, housewarmings and can also sing anywhere such as in the fields, in the fields or on the street, along the mountainside; sing to invite the gods... The most popular is still singing in pairs, also known as love songs between men and women to express their feelings. Up to now, Mr. Sinh has collected and written new lyrics for nearly 200 Sinh ca songs.

In 2015, the commune established the Ethnic Folk Song Club, and Mr. Sinh was invited to be the chairman. Under his leadership, the Club has grown and attracted a large number of members.

Currently, the Club has more than 50 members, regularly participating in performances, exchanges, and learning with other clubs inside and outside the province, participating in competitions and performances at all levels...

In addition, from 2021 to present, he has participated in teaching 6 classes on performing folk arts and culture; traditional customs, practices, and rituals; language, songs, and folk dances typical of the Cao Lan ethnic group such as: Sinh ca singing, shrimp shoveling dance, Pang loong dance...

Artisan Tran Thi Thach, 95 years old in Khe Gay village, said: "I see Mr. Sinh as a very dedicated and responsible person when participating in teaching national culture."

As one of the long-time members of the Yen Binh Commune Folk Song Club, Ms. Vu Thi Hong Manh, Head of Khe Gay Village, shared: “We have been guided and taught folk songs and dances by Mr. Sinh, so we can perform in many places. Through the activities of the Club, I feel very proud and love the culture of my people.”

Passionate about national culture, the books recording Sinh ca lyrics are always carefully preserved by Meritorious Artist Lac Tien Sinh. According to him, preserving the national soul is like a command from the heart, urging him to carry it out.

Thanks to his silent and dedicated contributions, Mr. Lac Tien Sinh has contributed to restoring, preserving and maintaining the cultural values ​​of the Cao Lan people. He has been and continues to be the "fire keeper", lighting up the soul of Sinh ca Cao Lan, so that those smooth and profound melodies will forever resonate in the land of Yen Binh.

Presented by HOANG THU

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nguoi-giu-lua-van-hoa-cao-lan-post881730.html