To ensure the cultural heritage of the Tay ethnic group in the Dong Ho region flows on forever.

The lake breeze soothed the dry, early summer sun of the mountainous region. Following the winding road, we arrived at Xuan Lai village, Yen Thanh commune, where stilt houses nestled on the hillside preserve the rhythm of life of the Tay people in the Dong Ho Thac Ba area. In that peaceful setting, the Cooi folk songs and the Tinh lute resonated, blending with the poignant Then melodies, transporting listeners back to the cultural roots preserved through generations.

In his traditional stilt house, even at over 70 years old, Meritorious Artisan Hoang Tuong Lai still diligently studies every day. He meticulously records and collects every song, every custom, and every aspect of his ethnic group's culture.

Born and raised on the left bank of the Chay River, a picturesque land where the Tay ethnic community has lived for generations, Mr. Lai was nurtured from an early age by the lullabies and folk songs of his mother and elders, such as Cooi, Phong Slư, and Kham Hai. For him, Tay culture has become ingrained in his being, an inseparable part of his life.

Meritorious Artisan Hoang Tuong Lai shared: “I only hope to be able to pass on the voice and melodies of our ancestors' folk songs to the younger generation, so that Tay culture does not fade away. For me, preserving our identity is not only a love but also a responsibility to the community and to future generations.”

With that in mind, in 2015, he and other elderly artisans in the commune established and maintained the Folk Song Club of Ethnic Groups in Yen Thanh Commune. Members collect, translate, and compose new lyrics for folk melodies, contributing to reviving traditional values ​​and spreading them to the younger generation.

Not only is Mr. Hoang Tuong Lai an Outstanding Artisan, but he is also a passionate writer dedicated to the culture of ethnic minorities. To date, he has published more than a dozen books in various genres such as short stories, memoirs, poetry, collections, and translations. Works such as "The Sẹt Tree Blooms," "That Lunchtime Sticky Rice Pot," "Gifts from the Mountain Homeland," "The Chay River, the Patterned Details," and his collections of folk tales and beliefs all deeply reflect the life and culture of the Tay people.

If Meritorious Artisan Hoang Tuong Lai is the one who systematizes the heritage, then artisan Hoang Ngoc Thanh is the one who "sows the seeds" of love for culture in the younger generation. With a love for Tay culture and a good singing voice, Mr. Thanh has learned and memorized many folk melodies of his ethnic group. He won second prize at the 6th National Festival of Then Singing and Tinh Playing of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups in 2018.

In his small house, for many years, he has been running free classes teaching Then singing and Tinh playing to young people. The lessons are without blackboards or elaborate lesson plans, just the sound of the instrument, the singing, and the perseverance of both teacher and student. From how to hold the instrument and press the keys to matching the lyrics, every movement is meticulously and patiently guided by him. Thanks to his dedicated instruction, the children gradually become proficient in each note and song, gaining a deeper understanding and love for their ethnic culture. Phuong Ngoc Han shared: “I’ve been studying with Teacher Thanh for over two years and now I know quite a few Then songs. Knowing how to sing Then has allowed me to perform in many places, so I’m very proud. At home, I often sing for my grandparents and family.”

Since 2022, Mr. Thanh has collaborated with and taught Tay folk songs to nearly 200 students. Besides teaching singing, he also translates the lyrics of Then songs into standard Vietnamese to make them more accessible to the students.

“Many folk melodies are gradually disappearing, so we are trying to revive ancient Then songs, village songs, Coọi songs… If there are no one to pass them on, the culture will be lost. I learned from the elders, and now I must pass it on to the next generation so that the children will still know and sing them,” Mr. Thanh shared passionately.

Not only is Tay culture present in folk songs, but it is also preserved through every fold of clothing, every piece of fabric, and through the skillful hands of the women. Even at over 80 years old, Mrs. Vi Thi Linh still diligently practices the craft of sewing traditional clothing. Her simple indigo-dyed garments, without elaborate patterns, exude a refined elegance and the unique identity of the Tay people.

The traditional clothing of the Tay people typically uses indigo-dyed cotton fabric, with simple yet harmonious designs. Women wear a five-panel blouse, a belt, a brooch, and combine it with a headscarf and jewelry. Today, although these outfits have been modernized, they still retain their traditional features and are worn during festivals, New Year celebrations, cultural activities, and village events.

Every day, beside her old sewing machine, Mrs. Linh meticulously completes each garment for her customers. For her, each product is not just a means of livelihood but also a joy in preserving and spreading national culture.

To pass on her skills to the next generation, she joined the intergenerational club in Xuan Lai village, directly teaching sewing to young people. Having been involved in the craft for over 50 years, she doesn't remember how many people she has taught, only hoping that each person who learns will continue to pass it on to others, so that the craft of making traditional Tay ethnic costumes will not fade away.

Recognizing the crucial role of culture in community life, the Yen Thanh commune government has implemented many practical solutions over the years to preserve and promote the Tay cultural identity. Among these, the establishment and maintenance of folk culture clubs and intergenerational clubs are considered effective approaches. These clubs not only serve as cultural centers but also as places for generations to meet and pass on values. In addition, the local authorities coordinate the organization of training classes, provide financial support, and create opportunities for artisans to participate in teaching and performing at cultural events.

The collection, inventory, and preservation of intangible cultural heritage are also emphasized. Then and Khap Cooi folk songs, traditional rituals, etc., are documented, preserved, and gradually integrated into community life. Mr. Phung Ngoc Tuan, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Yen Thanh commune, said: “In the coming time, the locality is determined to continue promoting preservation efforts towards ‘living’ the heritage, linking culture with community tourism development and livelihoods for the people. The focus is on expanding training classes for the younger generation, honoring and caring for the artisans, and incorporating Tay cultural values ​​into schools, festivals, and experiential activities. In addition, we will focus on linking traditional culture with economic development, especially tourism around Thac Ba Lake, thereby creating more space for heritage to be disseminated and preserved in modern life.”

Amidst the rapid changes of modern life, preserving ethnic identity has never been easy. But in Yen Thanh district, the cultural heritage of the Tay people is being nurtured daily by dedicated individuals. These people are the custodians of the culture, contributing to the continued preservation of traditional values ​​for future generations.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/de-mach-nguon-van-hoa-tay-vung-dong-ho-chay-mai-post898434.html