Khen be - unique musical instrument of Thai people in Nghia Lo

Culture

Khen be - unique musical instrument of Thai people in Nghia Lo

Friday, January 27, 2023

YBO - For the Thai ethnic minority group in Muong Lo, Nghia Lo town, Yen Bai province, Khen be (a raft-shaped khen) is a unique musical instrument that is indispensable in weddings, Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays, or spring festivals.

Artisan Lo Van Bien is blowing khen be.

It is not only an instrument connecting love and the soul in folk songs and dances and a cultural and spiritual symbol, but also an indispensable instrument in all types of Xoe dances.

This instrument is made up of 14 small and thin bamboo pipes with less knots. It is divided into two rafts with seven pipes each which are arranged from low to high.

The length of the instrument depends on makers, while its sound depends on "blades" which are made of copper or silver. Its gourd is made of wood, with one end is perforated, and the other is sealed with stone beeswax.

The sound of each flute depends on how "blades" are arranged, and the accuracy in distance of holes on the gourd.

Long flutes with high and bass volume are for the elderly, while short ones with low volume are for young people.

Making a khen be requires many stages with the meticulousness and talent of craftsmen. A good trumpet will show the soul of performers and those who made it.

Visitors to Muong Lo, Nghia Lo can easily join and experience cultural and artistic activities with melodious and attractive melodies from the instrument of the Thai people at community tourist sites, and communal houses in hamlets.

They can also learn how to make and play this instrument – which set a Guinness Vietnam record in 2017, at local ethnic musical clubs./.

Hoai Van

Other news

Logo design contest for Mu Cang Chai District.

Artist Luong Xuan Doan, President of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association (center), and the judging panel reviewing contest submissions.

After a seven-month launch period, the organizing committee of the Logo Design Contest for Mu Cang Chai District (Yen Bai Province) received 151 submissions from across the country.

Mu Cang Chai Preserves Ethnic Cultural Identity

A vibrant performance showcasing Mong cultural heritage at the 2024 Paragliding Festival in Mu Cang Chai.

Mu Cang Chai district, with nearly 96% of its population from ethnic minorities, includes 89.4% Mong people, who preserve rich cultural traditions such as the Gau Tao festival, the New Rice Offering, wedding customs, and traditional dance and music…

Yen Bai sees nearly 52% increase in tourism despite challenges

Tourists enjoying the golden rice terrace season in Mu Cang Chai.

Despite a 40% drop in tourist numbers in September due to the impact of Typhoon No. 3, Yen Bai welcomed over 1.114 million visitors in the first ten months of 2024—a 51.58% increase year-over-year.

New Rice Offering Ceremony at Nhuoc Son Temple, Chau Que Ha Commune

The New Rice Offering Ceremony at Nhuoc Son Temple is held annually on the 20th day of the 9th lunar month (20/9).

Recently, at the Nhuoc Son Temple, a national cultural and historical site located in Ngoc Chau Hamlet, Chau Que Ha Commune, Van Yen District, the New Rice Offering Ceremony was held to honor the great contributions of General Ha Chuong of the Tay ethnic group. The ceremony also conveyed wishes for a life of prosperity, warmth, and happiness.

Culture