Preserving Then singing in Quang Ninh

In recent years, Quang Ninh province has made commendable efforts in preserving Then singing, especially in Binh Lieu district and some other localities. The establishment of Then singing and zither clubs, the organization of training classes, and the integration of Then singing into cultural and tourism activities have contributed to raising community awareness and rekindling love for this art form.

Then singing is a form of folk performance closely intertwined with the lives of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups; it is a ritual practice reflecting their conceptions of humanity, the natural world , and the universe. Then rituals depict the journey of the Then shaman leading a group of spirit soldiers from the earthly realm to the heavenly realm to offer sacrifices and make requests during the ceremony: praying for peace, healing, a good harvest, and wishing a happy new year. The Then shaman wears ceremonial attire and sings in his ethnic language while playing the tẩu (a type of stringed instrument), shaking rattles, and fanning himself.

The Tay ethnic group in Quang Ninh province lives concentrated in Binh Lieu, Tien Yen, Ba Che, Ha Long, Dam Ha, Hai Ha, and Dong Trieu districts, with over 31,000 people. Then Quang Ninh is preserved by the Tay people and is divided into two categories: ritual Then and artistic Then.

Preserving Then singing in Quang Ninh is an important task aimed at safeguarding and promoting the unique intangible cultural heritage of the Tay ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the province. Then singing is not only a distinctive performing art form but also closely linked to spiritual life and beliefs, and contains profound cultural and historical values.