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

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