The 'living treasures' of grassroots culture

*Artisan Dao Dang Cua practices Mother Goddess worship.*

The traditional "fire keeper"

In the field of Mother Goddess worship, over 80 years old, Meritorious Artist Dao Dang Cua, head of Tam Ky Temple (Le Chan Ward) has been involved in Hau Dong for more than 30 years. He considers this ritual a blend of spirituality and art, always putting standards and respect first.

Along the same line, Meritorious Artist Vu Thi Chuyen in Tran Lieu ward is also a person who has been persistently attached to the practice of Tam Phu belief for many years. Her dedication shows that heritage is not only preserved in large centers but also maintained in each village and commune.

In Ca Tru, Meritorious Artist Nguyen Thi Thu Hang (An Bien Ward) is a prominent face. She has won three national gold medals, brought Ca Tru to Japan and received praise from the foreign press. Not only performing, she also compiled teaching materials and directly trained many students. Currently, as the Head of the Traditional Folk Arts Club (City Center for Culture, Exhibition and Cinema), she contributes to building a diverse artistic environment that attracts young people.

*Meritorious artist Nguyen Thi Thu Hang (center) performs Ca Tru at An Bien communal house.*

Nhan Hoa Water Puppetry Troupe (Vinh Bao Commune) has a history of more than a century and has won many medals at festivals. In 2019, the troupe was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. However, the number of artisans is currently only more than 10 people. Artisan Tran Van Rung, Head of Nhan Hoa Water Puppetry Troupe, has been involved in this art form for more than 30 years. He is always wondering how to preserve the water puppetry of his ancestors.

After the merger, Hai Phong now has 4 water puppetry troupes in Vinh Bao, Khuc Thua Du, Gia Loc and Ha Tay communes. Through many ups and downs, the troupes still maintain their activities thanks to the dedication of the artisans and members. Many artisans such as Pham Hung Ninh, Pham Khac Xoa (Ha Tay commune) or Dinh Van Phai (Gia Loc commune) still persevere in maintaining their profession, opening classes for children, creating a foundation for the heritage to continue to spread.

Need community and social support

The faces above show that folk artists are the pillars of grassroots culture. The titles and awards given are recognition for their contributions to preserving and promoting heritage.

However, they are facing many difficulties: old age, few successors, and unstable material life. Artisan Tran Van Rung confided: “We are very proud that our ancestors’ water puppetry has been recognized as a national heritage and clearly understand our responsibility to preserve and conserve this unique cultural feature. However, the number of artisans is decreasing day by day, and the lack of successors is a major obstacle in teaching the precious local heritage.”

*Artists of Nhan Hoa water puppetry troupe teach the profession to the next generation.*

Meritorious Artisan Nguyen Thi Thu Hang believes that in order for heritage to not only exist but also develop, a comprehensive approach is needed: adequate remuneration policies for artisans; living and performance spaces are maintained regularly at the grassroots level; connecting artisans and education , bringing folk songs, ca tru, and puppetry into schools; and promoting communication to bring heritage closer to the public.

According to folk culture researcher Nguyen Dinh Chinh, Chairman of the Hai Phong Folk Arts Association, folk artists are the soul of heritage. If we want heritage to survive, we must take care of its keepers, from their material life to their creative environment. Accordingly, we must not only honor their titles, but also create conditions for them to continue spreading their values to the community, especially the young generation.

It can be said that preserving heritage does not only depend on the efforts of artisans, but also requires the support of the community and society. When those who maintain the craft are cared for and respected, the heritage will have more opportunities to spread and be more sustainable. They - the "living treasures" in everyday life - continue to make the cultural identity of "Heroic Port City - Cultural Eastern Land" shine more and more.

HA LINH

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/nhung-bau-vat-song-cua-van-hoa-co-so-522009.html