From village game to national heritage

From village game to national heritage - photo 1

The bustling atmosphere when Dong Anh folk songs and dances are recreated in the village festival

From rustic plays reflecting agricultural life to performances staged on modern stages - Dong Anh folk songs and dances are living proof of the enduring vitality of traditional culture.

From village game to national heritage

Vien Khe land, Dong Khe commune, Dong Son district (now Dong Son ward, Thanh Hoa ) is considered the "cradle" of Ngu tro Vien Khe - the foundation of Dong Anh folk songs and dances. Legend has it that Ngu tro Vien Khe appeared during the period of Chinese domination, associated with the name of Ca Lang Dai Vuong, son of leader Le Ngoc.

He often went to the village to teach people how to sing and dance, sowing the seeds of culture in the community. Some other opinions say that the game originated from the Later Le Dynasty, passed down by the Ministry of Rites official Nguyen Mong Tuan (a native of Vien Khe). Although there is no definitive explanation, the common point is that this heritage has been deeply rooted in the lives of the people, existing as an essential part of the village.

The performances vividly reflect production activities, natural disaster prevention, and the wish for a bountiful harvest, recreating the wishes for happiness and fertility. Like many other forms of folk culture, Dong Anh folk songs and dances are passed down orally. From practice sessions in the village, through village festivals, each song and dance is refined and enriched, becoming a common treasure.

In the memories of the older generations, the Nghe Sam festival used to be the largest center for the performances to be honored. Every 3 years, in the years of Dragon, Dog, Ox, Goat, the festival is expanded throughout the region. The "con tro" (actors) are strictly selected: They must be boys and girls between the ages of 12-16, unmarried, have no family mourning, and have enough "reason" to participate. It is this selection that has created the sacredness and appeal of Dong Anh folk songs and dances in the spiritual life of the residents.

There was a time when this melody gradually went beyond the village community, and was invited to perform in the royal court or at important national events. However, with the changes of the times, the decline of the Nghe Sam festival - Dong Anh folk songs and dances were gradually forgotten, seemingly only a memory.

From village game to national heritage - photo 2

Lantern Dance - a unique feature of Vien Khe Five Troupe

The Firelighters and the Journey of Revival

The turning point came in 2002, when the Vietnam Music Institute, together with the Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, the government and the people of Dong Khe set out to restore the Vien Khe Five Tro. The work was extremely difficult: documents were scarce, props and costumes were lacking, and people who knew the tricks were increasingly rare. But thanks to the dedication of senior artists, who had devoted their lives to their homeland's melodies, each play was pieced together and revived.

An artisan who participated in the restoration recalled: “Back then, every time we restored a play, we invited the elderly to come and appraise it. Some of them were moved to tears, expressing their gratitude for being able to relive their youth.”

Thanks to those tireless efforts, the system of 12 unique plays has been restored: Lamp Dance, Drum and Gong, Ngo, Siam, Catching a Tiger, Tien Cuoi, Ha Lan, Thuy, Nu Quan, Tu Huan, Thiep, Ai Lao. Among them, Lamp Dance has become a prominent symbol, making a strong impression with the movements of young girls singing and dancing, their heads covered with bright lamp discs, yet still graceful and soft.

In 2017, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized Ngu Tro Vien Khe as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. For Dong Son people, it is not only a source of pride, but also an affirmation of the everlasting value of village culture. An elderly artisan shared: From the age of 12-13, they were chosen as "children", following the troupe to perform everywhere, and then spending their whole lives with the singing and dancing. Now, many families have three or four generations following, the son plays the drum, the daughter-in-law dances with lanterns, the grandson plays musical instruments. It is this passing on of the torch that helps the heritage to be revived. Not only in each family, but many teaching classes in the village and in schools have also been formed. Children in Dong Khe today can dance with lanterns, play Tien Cuoi or play the role of young "children" in the festival. Their steps and immature singing are proof of the enduring vitality of the heritage.

For those who have seen the Lantern Dance, the most unforgettable impression is when 12 young girls in white pants, red shirts, green belts, and bright lantern discs on their heads, sing and spin and roll without the lantern falling. That is the combination of technique, dexterity and charm of Thanh girls, leaving deep emotions in the hearts of the audience. Not only the Lantern Dance, many Dong Anh folk songs also penetrate deeply into life. Familiar lyrics such as: Going to the pagoda to pick a lotus branch, Eating rice by lamplight, planting rice under the moonlight... have become common memories of many generations.

In Vien Khe today, every time Tet comes, the atmosphere of singing and dancing is still bustling. People consider it an essential part of life, like the breath of attachment to the homeland. During the village festival, the Great National Unity ceremony, the whole community can become "students", singing ancient melodies together. It is this strong attachment that makes Dong Anh folk songs and dances become the soul of the village, the thread connecting the past - present - future.

From a type of folk performance that was once in danger of being forgotten, Dong Anh folk songs and dances have been strongly revived, becoming a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This achievement is thanks to the dedication of generations of artisans, the consensus of the people and the attention of the government.

Today, when Dong Anh folk songs and dances continue to resound in village festivals, on stage or in cultural tours , it is not only the presence of an art form, but also a testament to the bravery of Thanh people to preserve their homeland's identity. As shared by an artist: "We only hope to pass on that love to our children and grandchildren, so that they can understand and appreciate the heritage of their ancestors. Only when they become the common property of the community, Dong Anh folk songs and dances will have eternal vitality."

And indeed, from Vien Khe village today, that flame still burns brightly - the flame of memory, of passion and of a cultural heritage that will forever accompany the nation.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/tu-tro-lang-den-di-san-quoc-gia-170426.html