Bac Ninh: Preserving heritage, passing it on to the future

BAC NINH - In recent days, Bac Ninh has continuously received good news when many heritages were honored at the national and world levels. Multiplying the pride, the government, functional agencies and people in the province continue to enhance their responsibility to preserve and promote the values so that these heritages can continuously spread and blend in with the new rhythm of life.

The essence of heritage

The Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son and Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex has just been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, making the people of the province proud. This is an affirmation of the outstanding global value of the heritage and honors the contributions of localities to the world's cultural treasure.

The heritage complex consists of 12 component relics spread across three provinces and cities: Bac Ninh , Quang Ninh, Hai Phong. Of which, 2 relics of Bac Ninh province, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (Tan An ward) and Bo Da Pagoda (Van Ha ward) are recognized as 2 Truc Lam Buddhist centers, playing an important role in maintaining and developing Buddhism. Truc Lam Buddhism is a unique Zen sect of Vietnam, founded by Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century.

The San Diu Ethnic Culture Preservation and Development Association of Hai Cu residential group, Phuong Son ward teaches Soong Co singing to the young generation.

Along with its ancient and unique architecture, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda has 3,050 woodblocks of Buddhist scriptures, medical books and precepts, recognized as a Documentary Heritage of the Asia-Pacific Memory of the World Program. Bo Da Pagoda is quiet with a system of thick earthen walls and a large tower garden, the resting place of thousands of eminent monks throughout history, creating a sacred and peaceful spiritual space.

Having visited Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Ms. Carmen Cano De Lasala, Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam, expressed: “I have visited many pagodas in the world, but I am especially impressed by the ancient beauty and unique features of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. This is not only the birthplace of Truc Lam Zen - a Zen sect imbued with national spirit, but also a space where culture, nature and beliefs harmonize, conveying the very unique Vietnamese spirit of religion associated with daily life”.

Tourists visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.

According to experts, the unique feature of this Heritage Complex is the sacred space, where the quintessence of Truc Lam Buddhism converges - a progressive, humane ideology, connecting religion and life, accompanying the nation through many historical periods. That ideology is deeply rooted in community life, creating spiritual strength to build a prosperous society and protect national independence. This is a vivid testament to the harmonious interplay between humans and nature, between ancient architecture and social life, creating values that last forever.

Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has included 4 heritages of the province in the list of national intangible cultural heritages, including: Lim Festival; Soong Co folk performing art of San Diu people; Cheo art; Tho Ha rice paper making village. In particular, Lim Festival takes place on January 13 every year, not only with solemn procession, incense offering, and sacrifice rituals, along with community bonding activities, but also as a rendezvous for Quan Ho folk songs - a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In the festival space, Lien Anh and Lien Chi singers sing sweet, smooth Quan Ho melodies in harmony with the spring scent, creating a cultural picture imbued with the lyrical character of Kinh Bac region.

"In the coming time, the Department of Culture will implement a program to preserve and promote the heritage value of Vinh Nghiem and Bo Da pagodas in accordance with regulations, in connection with the relic sites of Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city. Focus on implementing the project "Restoring the Path of Propagating Buddhism of the Patriarchs of Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhism"; coordinate in building tours to the sacred land of Yen Tu. Continue to propagate, promote, organize activities and events to spread the value of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac relic and scenic complex. Invest in upgrading infrastructure to meet the needs of accommodation, dining, experience and entertainment of tourists" - Mr. Do Tuan Khoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Ninh province.

Through many ups and downs, the artisans who make Tho Ha rice paper (Van Ha ward) are still diligent in each step and family secret to create famous products. Artisan Nguyen Duc Tao, 70 years old, shared: "I learned the craft from my father's hand since I was young and have been involved for more than half a century. Each step is important, especially the salt mixing and drying steps to make the rice paper soft, crispy, fragrant and not broken". Currently, Tho Ha residential group has more than 300 households working in the profession with about 1,000 workers. On average, each household produces 7-10,000 rice papers per day. The products are not only consumed domestically but also exported to Korea, Japan, and Europe. In the months before Tet, the working atmosphere becomes even more bustling, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors.

Preserving identity, spreading heritage

Bac Ninh is known as the cradle of culture, the land that has preserved and passed on many quintessence so that today those cultural values continue to shine, honored by the whole country and the world. The whole province currently has 33 national intangible cultural heritages, 7 heritages recognized by UNESCO, and 24 national treasures. In recent years, Bac Ninh province has implemented many creative solutions so that heritage is not only "stored" and preserved but also truly integrated into contemporary life. Authorities at all levels and functional sectors have mobilized resources to restore and embellish historical - cultural relics - scenic spots in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Cultural Heritage, retaining the maximum original elements. At the same time, monthly financial support is provided to encourage and motivate artisans to keep the love of heritage alive. Traditional festivals are organized, restoring special rituals and unique folk games. Many intangible heritages such as folk songs and performing arts are preserved and taught through classes and clubs. For many years, the Soong Co singing of the San Diu people has resounded loudly on hillsides and mountainsides thanks to the dedication of artisans and cultural workers.

Artisan An Ngoc Luong, Vice President of the Association for Preservation and Development of San Diu Ethnic Culture in the province, proudly shared: “Soong Co is a unique lyrical folk song, closely associated with the spiritual life of the people. Each lyric and melody not only expresses love and joy of work but also connects the community, preserving the language and writing of ethnic minorities in the midst of modern life. With passion and dedication, the artisans still teach, record songs, and compose introductions every day so that each Soong Co song is not only music but also preserves customs, language, and national identity.”

The craft of making Tho Ha rice paper has been preserved by local people for generations.

Localities and artisans are aware that honoring heritage is only the first step, the important thing is to continue to promote and spread the value of heritage. Mr. Nguyen Dai Luong, Secretary of the Van Ha Ward Party Committee, said: “The local government has been creating favorable conditions for people in Tho Ha rice paper making village to develop sustainably, focusing on promoting the brand, expanding domestic and foreign markets. Rice paper is now not only a traditional culinary product but also an important part of Tho Ha's cultural tourism experience chain”. The locality is implementing a project to develop community tourism, exploiting the value of heritage to serve tourists. In the future, in addition to visiting relics and attending festivals, tourists can also make, dry or package rice paper themselves to bring home as gifts.

According to Mr. Do Tuan Khoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in the coming time, Bac Ninh will strengthen the preservation and promotion of heritage values associated with tourism development. The industry will promote the digitalization of relics, build a bilingual signboard system, and online smart maps so that visitors can easily explore and learn more about the value of each relic. Coordinate with travel agencies and businesses to build green - cultural - spiritual tours that directly connect with the community and craft villages in a friendly and sustainable manner. At the same time, coordinate with agencies and schools to organize extracurricular activities such as: learning to sing Quan Ho, Soong Co, performing Cheo, experiencing traditional jobs, visiting relics... contributing to educating the love of homeland and awareness of preserving heritage for the younger generation. At the same time, connect regions to organize heritage festivals; art performance spaces, expand cultural exchanges, contributing to making the quintessence of Bac Ninh culture shine more and more.

Article and photos: Vi Le Thanh

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/bac-ninh-giu-gin-di-san-trao-truyen-cho-mai-sau-postid422485.bbg