Bac Ninh: The gentle melodies of Soong Co folk songs

BAC NINH - From the mountain slopes and hillsides, the melodies of Soọng cô songs rise gently and profoundly, like heartfelt confessions carried on the mountain breeze. Each melody and lyric not only expresses the love between couples and the joy of labor but also connects the community and preserves the cultural identity passed down through generations. Recently, the Soọng cô folk performance art of the San Diu people in Bac Ninh was honored as a national intangible cultural heritage, affirming the unique value and vibrant vitality of this art form in contemporary life.

Soọng cô is a unique form of lyrical folk song, closely associated with the spiritual life of the San Diu ethnic group in the communes and wards of Phuong Son, Chu, Luc Ngan, Kien Lao, and Nam Duong. Soọng cô means "singing." The San Diu people sing it during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), birthdays, weddings, housewarming parties, during the agricultural off-season, when meeting or visiting each other's homes; it is not limited by space.

When performing Soọng cô, the people use their ethnic language and wear traditional clothing.

Soọng cô performances follow a creative and flexible call-and-response style - one side sings in response, the other side replies.

Soọng cô performances do not require musical instruments. When singing, the singer uses rhyming and intonation to create the melody of the song. The lyrics are simple and close to the daily life and activities of the people.

Most communes and wards with a large San Diu ethnic minority population have established Soong Co singing clubs. Thanks to the activities of these clubs, the number of people who know how to sing Soong Co is increasing. In the photo: A meeting of the San Diu Ethnic Culture Preservation and Development Association in Hai Cu residential area, Phuong Son ward.

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The San Diu Ethnic Culture Preservation and Development Association of Hai Cu residential area currently has 53 members, mainly elderly people. Besides preserving ethnic culture, the Soong Co gatherings are also an opportunity for members, especially the elderly, to meet and share experiences in raising their children and grandchildren.

Currently, the teaching of the San Diu language, writing system, and folk songs to the younger generation is receiving attention.

San Diu language classes and Soong Co performances are usually held during the summer.

Many young people are learning to speak the San Diu language in order to perform Soong Co songs accurately and beautifully.

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Thanks to the guidance of artisans, many young people can speak and sing in their ethnic language, contributing to the preservation and promotion of cultural identity and expressing pride in their heritage.

Thu Thuy

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bac-ninh-dat-diu-cau-hat-soong-co-postid421645.bbg