The philosophy of happiness in Xoe Thai

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The philosophy of happiness in Xoe Thai

Thursday, January 27, 2022

YBO - Xoe is known as the heritage of the Thai ethnic minority people in the northwestern region. Xoe Thai art is a symbol of beauty. It contains the artistic values of dance, music, singing, costumes, cuisine and cultural behaviour of the Thai community. It also reflects the philosophy of happiness of the Thai ethnic people.

The happiness of the residents seems to increase in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) Festival because Xoe Thai art has been listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously affected their business, Homestays in Muong Lo-Nghia Lo area still strive to arrange necessary things to welcome visitors during the Tet holiday, in addition to making preparations for their families.

Xoe dance is indispensable from such small events as new house celebrations, weddings to big festivals such as Hoa Ban Festival and New Rice Festival. Hoa Ban is the popular spring flower festival of the north and northwestern regions which was named after the most beautiful flower in the region, hoa ban or the orchid trees. The dance’s melody and sound of khen (panpipe), drums, gongs performance create a bustling atmosphere.

Dancers usually form a circle around a festive flame, showing their wish for a peaceful and prosperous life and a bumper crop. Community cohesion is the Thai ethnic people's outlook on life.

The Thai people in the Muong Lo area are always grateful to their ancestors who have established the village. Most residents know very well six ancient dances which reflect community activities and express the Thai people’s emotion.

People in Muong Lo thought that the bigger the circle is, the happier they feel and they will get a better crop and better life. It’s just like each individual contributes his best to build a happy community, thereby reaping the benefit. Music for Xoe dance spices up the community’s philosophy of happiness. The drum is the sound of the earth while gong is the echo of the sky. The sound of clash cymbals is a symbol of "prosperity" of all species.

After each endless night enjoying Xoe dance, people are enthusiastic about production, creating wealth for their families and villages when they return to work the next day.

Thanh Ba

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