Preserving the heritage soul from "living human treasures"

In the constant flow of time, artisans are the ones who keep the soul of national culture, quietly preserving and passing on the quintessence of generations. They are not only the ones who preserve heritage, but also the bridge connecting the past with the present, helping traditional values ​​permeate contemporary life. With skillful hands, sharp minds and deep love for the profession, artisans have become "living human treasures", contributing to glorifying Vietnamese identity in the world's cultural treasure.

Young artisans of the Xo Dang people ( Quang Ngai ) perform gongs and xoang.

The souls of cultural heritage

The work of inventorying and establishing scientific records of intangible cultural heritage in recent years has helped to more clearly identify the rich cultural treasures of the community of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Since then, conservation projects and plans have been implemented promptly, preventing the risk of fading and loss, while at the same time arousing a sense of pride in the community. The fact that many heritages are listed in the National or International List not only affirms the value of Vietnamese culture but also honors the silent role of artisans. Those who are keeping the flame of heritage burning in life.

Xoan singing in Phu Tho is a typical example of the enduring vitality of heritage with the contribution of artisans and the community. When UNESCO listed it on the List of Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the artisans, who are elderly people, knowledgeable and attached to the ancient melodies, proactively participated in restoring, teaching and training the next generation. Xoan singing classes were opened locally, performances at communal houses and temples were held regularly, linking the heritage with community activities and tourism . Thanks to that, Xoan singing was not only "saved" from the risk of disappearing but also became the pride of the homeland. In 2017, this heritage was removed from the List of Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and officially became a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of conservation associated with heritage keepers.

The story of the Vietnamese practice of the Mother Goddess Worship also shows the strength of the community in protecting traditional cultural values. After being recognized by UNESCO, the spirit mediumship ritual is no longer viewed incorrectly but is better understood in terms of its spiritual and humanistic meaning. The mediums and incense masters have gradually found a common voice, moving towards harmony and respect in the practice of beliefs. Thanks to the guidance and example of the artisans, many cultural activities and festivals are organized according to the correct rituals, helping the heritage to live more sustainably in contemporary life. This approach has created a positive change, when people proactively participate in preserving the heritage, instead of just relying on the authorities.

Bringing a group of artists to perform at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi), Mr. Tran Phuoc Thuan - Chairman of the Folk Culture and Arts Association of Ca Mau province said that preservation is a way to make it better, revive and develop stronger, not just keep it the same. If culture is separated, the nation will lose its identity, if culture remains, the nation remains. We should not blame the young people for preservation. It is the adults who are responsible for teaching and guiding. The young cannot love the national culture on their own without being taught.

Spreading traditional values ​​in today's life

Not only with Xoan singing or Mother Goddess worship… Many other types of heritage such as Ca Tru, Quan Ho, Don Ca Tai Tu, Bai Choi art… are also strongly reviving thanks to the dedication of artisans. In many rural areas, villages… one can see the image of the elderly passionately teaching the local cultural heritage to the young. Those efforts have actively contributed to the heritage living in the community.

Folk culture and the echoes of gongs and xoang dances have been closely associated with the people of the Central Highlands for generations. From the moment they were born, the sound of gongs resonated within them. The sound of gongs and songs followed them throughout their lives, growing up until adulthood. That is why the transmission of folk culture in the Central Highlands takes place naturally within the indigenous community, in the villages.

Mr. Tran Dinh Trung - Head of the Xo Dang ethnic folk artists group, Quang Ngai province shared: Folk culture, gongs... have permeated the souls of the Central Highlands people since the birth of each child. Gongs, xoang, Central Highlands music are very close to the daily life of the people. Therefore, the teaching of folk culture carried out from the indigenous community, right in the cultural space of the Central Highlands ethnic people has many advantages, achieving positive results, the folk cultural environment is maintained, allowing children to come into contact with and learn to perform gongs from a very early age.

Meritorious Artist Yang Danh from Gia Lai said that compared to before, the number of artisans today is not much, but living in a peaceful country with cultural policies and guidelines... are good conditions for artisans in teaching folk culture.

It can be seen that cultural heritage is the crystallization of intelligence, sentiment and national identity through thousands of years of history. Artisans are ordinary people who preserve the soul of the cultural values ​​passed down by their ancestors. Preservation and promotion is not only the responsibility of the cultural sector but also requires the cooperation of the whole society, especially the young generation who will follow the path of preservation and creation. When these "living human treasures" continue to be respected, supported and their values ​​spread, Vietnam's cultural heritage will not only be preserved but also become more vibrant and richer in today's life, so that national culture can shine in the era of integration.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/giu-hon-di-san-tu-nhung-bau-vat-nhan-van-song-20251028141634308.htm