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.