The spiritual "specialty" of the Muong people.
According to folklore researcher and Meritorious Artist Bui Huy Vong from Lac Son commune, the history of the formation of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng folk songs has been mentioned many times in the "Muong Mo" from thousands of years ago, as shown in the excerpt from the mo song "Last Farewell" (Words of instruction for descendants): "...My sons and daughters, stay behind for the future / So that I can tell the shaman to speak the words of instruction, the words of guidance / I will teach you the final words, the words of farewell / I will tell you everything late at night / Whichever child wants to listen, listen / Whichever child doesn't want to, that's fine too / Even if you don't want to, I will still tell you...".
Distinguished artisan Bach Thi Dao in Nat Son commune teaches the Thuong Rang and Bo Meng folk songs to the younger generation.
In the early days of the new year, the Muong people in the communes of Muong Dong, Muong Vang, Thuong Coc, and Nat Son often perform folk songs, a popular form being the "Xac Bua" ritual (also called "Sac Bua" or "Xec Bua"), visiting and wishing the New Year with folk songs from Thuong Rang and Bo Meng praising and blessing the host. Artisan Bui Van Vung from Chieng Vang hamlet, Muong Vang commune, is one of those who still preserve these sweet lyrics: "We distribute water, our shamans are out in the fields / I look under the stilt house / The milling house in your house / Looking back and forth / I see the pond, I see the lake / Looking into the milling house, your house is cool and shady, radiating wealth..."
The Muong people sing Thuong Rang and Bo Meng songs not only during festivals but also during work, weddings, housewarming parties, and birthday celebrations. This form of cultural activity is often associated with festivities, the emotional and spiritual life of the community, and its content contains humanistic philosophy, compassion, and conveys the thoughts, feelings, dreams, love, aspirations, and ideals of people, enriching their spiritual lives, encouraging their work ethic, and expressing their desire for a happy and prosperous life, contributing to the beauty of the character, soul, and lifestyle of the people.
Spreading the value of heritage in contemporary life.
In recent years, driven by her love and dedication to preserving cultural heritage, Meritorious Artist Bach Thi Dao in Beo hamlet, Nat Son commune, has independently opened classes to teach Thuong Rang and Bo Meng folk songs to her children and grandchildren, mainly middle-aged women. Some children aged 10-15 who love Muong folk songs also attend. Artist Bach Thi Dao shared: "Previously, due to socio -economic difficulties, Muong communities lacked the resources to organize cultural and artistic activities. Most traditional cultural activities faced the risk of disappearing. Now, with many changes in life, people have preserved their unique identity, especially the enduring vitality of folk melodies."
Comrade Nguyen Thanh Xuan, Head of the Cultural Management Department of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: The Muong ethnic community in the villages and hamlets of the province still enjoys singing and listening to Thuong Rang and Bo Meng folk songs. In 2023, through a survey, 85% of the people participating in the survey affirmed that the younger generation, children and grandchildren in the families, enthusiastically wanted to participate directly in singing activities. Random interviews with children aged 10-15 who had participated in cultural activities in their locality or school shared their feelings of enjoyment in learning and singing Thuong Rang and Bo Meng. Not only Meritorious Artist Bach Thi Dao in Nat Son commune, but also some artisans holding cultural heritage such as Dinh Thi Thao in Ky Son ward and Quach Thi Lon in Dai Dong commune proactively invited students to their homes to teach for free.
In July 2025, Phu Tho province had 4 cultural heritage items included in the national list of intangible cultural heritage. The folk singing art of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng of the Muong ethnic group is one of the cultural heritages honored, affirming its unique value and contributing to enriching the Vietnamese folk song tradition. The organization of folk singing activities in the community is receiving increasing attention. Dozens of Muong singing clubs have been established in the area, regularly participating in activities and performing, such as: Bai Chim (Quyet Thang commune), Muong Khu (Ngoc Son commune), Vu Binh (Lac Son commune)... Some Muong singing artisans include Bui Thi Lon, Dai Dong commune; Bui Van Hanh, Chairman of the Muong Khu Singing Club, Bui Van Chinh, Chairman of the Vu Binh Muong Singing Club... are pioneers in bringing Muong singing to online platforms, uploading videos , recordings, and programs of Muong singing performances on YouTube, Facebook, Zalo, etc., meeting the needs of those who want to enjoy and learn about Muong singing, contributing to the preservation and spread of this traditional art form.
Bui Minh
Source: https://baophutho.vn/doc-dao-nghe-thuat-hat-dan-gian-thuong-nbsp-rang-nbsp-bo-nbsp-meng-238214.htm
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