Nghia Lo preserves Thai ethnic group’s Then singing practice

Culture

Nghia Lo preserves Thai ethnic group’s Then singing practice

Saturday, February 11, 2023

YBO - Then is an indispensable ritual practice in the spiritual life of the Thai ethnic people in Nghia Lo town. It not only shows the solidarity among the ethnic groups but also their unique cultural identity, especially Then melodies imbued with identity of the Muong Lo Thai people.

A Then training session of Muong Lo Thai people

So far, Nghia Lo town has come up with ways to preserve and develop Then ritual practices of the Muong Lo Thai people.

Aware of the importance and necessity of preserving ethnic traditional culture, Son A commune in Nghia Lo town has established a Then singing club which has to date attracted over 30 members joining weekly training sessions.

Ngo Thi An from Co Coi village, Son A commune, Nghia Lo town, said: "I am extremely delighted at learning that the commune is interested in reviving Then dances and songs. I will continue passing down this cultural trait to later generations.”

As a young person, Dang Thi Phuong from Cai village, Son A commune, strives to make contributions to the preservation and study of Then practice. She said: "Being taught by my grandmothers and mother to dance and sing, I am very proud to contribute to preserving the culture of my ethnic group."

As the sixth generation to preserve and develop Then practices of Thai ethnic people, Lo Thi En from Co Coi village is trying to contribute to the preservation and teaching of Then melodies imbued with identity of the Muong Lo Thai people.

En said: "To prevent my ethnic cultural tradition from falling into oblivion, I myself always strive to preserve and introduce the meaning of Then culture to others, thus conveying the future generations’ thoughts, feelings, aspirations and wishes for ancestors, and praying for favourable weather conditions, bumper crops, good health and prosperity for everyone, and for the further development of our village.”

The Then practice reflects cultural identity of the Thai ethnic people living there, from rituals to musical instruments, dances and music. It contributes to moral education and preservation of cultural traditions and customs, becoming an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Thai ethnic people.

Meritorious Artist Lo Van Bien from Trung Tam ward said Then melodies of elders and ancestors must be passed down and it is the responsibility of future generations to preserve and promote them. With its unique artistic value, Then has contributed to nurturing emotions, will power, and aspirations for a warm, happy life of Muong Lo Thai people.

Nhat Thanh - Xuan Tinh

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