Cultural values of the San Diu ethnic group in Thai Nguyen: Not to be filled by time

We joined Mr. Tran Binh Duong, Chairman of the Association for the Protection and Promotion of the Cultural Values of the San Diu ethnic group in the province to participate in the Soong Co singing exchange of members of the Club for the Protection and Promotion of the Cultural Values of the San Diu ethnic group in Phuc Thuan commune (Pho Yen city). Immersing ourselves in the melody and lyrics, all fatigue and worries seemed to disappear and we understood that the San Diu ethnic group has been trying to preserve the "soul" of their ethnic culture, determined not to let it fade away over time.

Members of the Association for the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Values of the San Diu ethnic group in the province participated in the Soong Co singing exchange.

Mr. Tran Binh Duong said: Each ethnic group has its own singing tunes to express their thoughts and feelings in specific situations. The San Diu people are the same. Soong Co is a genre of antiphonal singing that has been associated with the folk cultural activities of the San Diu people for generations. The lyrics and melody of Soong Co are soft, gentle, and simple, but full of influence and captivate people's hearts. Depending on the situation, Soong Co is performed in different ways. The San Diu people sing lullabies, sing to get to know each other, sing to confess their love, sing at weddings, etc. All of these songs are commonly called Soong Co singing. Because of these priceless spiritual values, we, the children of the San Diu people, feel that we have a responsibility to pass them on to future generations.

Based on that thought of those who are passionate about preserving the culture of the San Diu ethnic group and with the support of the Party Committee, government, and functional agencies, in 2021, the Association for the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Values of the San Diu ethnic group was established, headquartered in Thanh Tra 1 hamlet, Son Cam commune ( Thai Nguyen city). When it first started operating, the Association encountered many difficulties in terms of facilities, human resources, funding, etc. Up to now, the difficulties have been gradually overcome and resolved, and the Association has attracted more than 700 members. The oldest person is over 80 years old. The Association has established 22 clubs in all localities throughout the province, of which Dong Hy district, Thai Nguyen city and Pho Yen city have the largest number of clubs.

Mr. Duong shared more: With the desire to preserve and promote cultural values from language, writing, costumes, customs and practices in daily life, production, in all daily activities or on holidays, Tet, housewarming, new land..., we basically speak to each other in our ethnic language, wear traditional costumes, sing Soong Co, eat San Diu cuisine ...

Ms. Truong Thi Sinh, member of the San Diu Ethnic Cultural Conservation and Promotion Club, members of the San Diu Ethnic Cultural Conservation and Promotion Club in the province participated in the Soong Co singing exchange. Phuc Thuan (Pho Yen City) confided: I have loved singing Soong Co since I was a child and was taught by my grandmother and mother. Now at the age of "thất thập" I am still passionate about singing because each lyric and melody seems to penetrate deep into my blood and flesh. Every time I sing, I feel relaxed, comfortable and happy. I can sing at any time... The club is a good environment for me to express myself and have the opportunity to learn and exchange with people who share the same interests.

In order for the Association's activities to spread more and more deeply, in 2023 and the first months of 2024 alone, the Association has organized nearly 10 training courses on preserving and promoting the cultural values of the San Diu ethnic group, including teaching Soong Co singing, writing, and how to sew costumes... to more than 1,000 members; organizing dozens of Soong Co singing exchanges between clubs inside and outside the province. The Association regularly maintains the movement "San Diu people speak San Diu language" and teaches the language and writing to the younger generation. The Association coordinates with localities in the province to direct and guide clubs to organize commemorative activities, exchanges, and organize regular, regular, orderly, and influential activities...

In addition, the clubs also enthusiastically participate in local socio-economic development activities, especially actively participating in the new rural construction movement, willing to donate land, contribute money and labor with the State to build welfare works, serve people's lives; support children and grandchildren to develop family economy, escape poverty, and become rich legitimately...

With the efforts of the Executive Committee and all members, the cultural values of the San Diu ethnic group have been unified, preserved and increasingly promoted. Currently, the San Diu ethnic group in Thai Nguyen province has 2 cultural heritages recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage, including: Soong Co singing of Dong Hy district and Cap Sac ceremony of Nam Hoa commune (Dong Hy) and Ban Dat commune (Phu Binh). "In the coming time, we hope that the relevant agencies will continue to consider and propose the State to recognize Soong Co singing and Cap Sac ceremony of the San Diu ethnic group in the remaining localities in the province as National Intangible Cultural Heritage." - Mr. Tran Binh Duong expressed.

Before parting, the song resounded again: "I miss you so much, my dear/ I miss the sleepless nights, the days without food/ I miss you so much I don't even want to eat/ My sleeves are wet like rain" (Song: Tóong lông cô (Missing you, missing her).

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202406/gia-tri-van-hoa-dan-toc-san-diu-o-thai-nguyen-khong-de-thoi-gian-khoa-lap-191231d/