Ho Van Ly - A person passionate about preserving national culture

Faced with the risk of his people's folk songs and traditional musical instruments gradually fading away and possibly disappearing altogether, Mr. Ho Van Ly, a Van Kieu ethnic person in Chenh Venh village, Huong Phung commune, Huong Hoa district, spent a lot of time studying, researching, making musical instruments, practicing and teaching how to use musical instruments, traditional folk songs and dances, contributing to the preservation of the Van Kieu ethnic culture in the locality.

Mr. Ly (far left) actively teaches how to use musical instruments to local people - Photo: ML

Loving the music and singing of the Van Kieu people, and regularly participating in festivals, especially the times he went to the sim with the boys and girls in the village, Mr. Ly had the opportunity to learn and practice regularly, from which he mastered the use of the Tinh Tong and the Po Lui - two basic musical instruments that are indispensable in every exchange and festival.

Once he had mastered the art, he sought out older artisans and friends in the village to learn how to make these two instruments, because according to him, he had to make them himself to get the sound he wanted. With perseverance, hard work and passion, Mr. Ly learned and successfully made the Tinh Tong and the Po Lui at a young age.

Since then, these instruments have accompanied him to many performances, carefully kept in a corner of the house and considered as treasures. Not only making, he is also very passionate about musical instruments, folk songs and dances of the Van Kieu people. Every evening, after a day of work and a cozy meal with his family, he spends time practicing the panpipe, playing and singing folk songs.

On this occasion, his children, grandchildren and the young people living near his house gathered, sat together to listen to him play, sing and clap their hands to the music. Many people were taught by him to sing in tune and know how to use the Tinh Tong, Po Lui and Khen Be. The sounds of the instruments, the voices of old and young, men and women, blended together and filled the whole house, making it very joyful. This was his way of entertaining himself and also to let his children and grandchildren understand more about the culture of his people.

Having been trained regularly, Mr. Ly can skillfully practice basic musical instruments, traditional folk songs, especially the Ta Ai and Xa Not melodies, and some folk dances in festivals, especially the New Rice Festival. With his deep understanding and extensive experience, he is willing to share and practice with members of the Traditional Arts Club of Chênh Vênh village, and with the club to perform for tourists who come to visit and experience the eco -tourism site of Chênh Vênh village.

He also actively participates in intangible cultural transmission classes implemented by local authorities. In Chenh Venh in particular, and in the villages in particularly difficult areas in Quang Tri in general, despite the lack of material conditions, it is truly valuable to have dedicated people who join hands to preserve and promote the unique cultural values of ethnic minorities like Mr. Ly.

Nowadays, although he no longer makes instruments as often as before due to the traditional cultural needs of the locality having somewhat faded, in order not to forget his craft, Mr. Ly still diligently studies and practices. “In the past, I made many Tinh Tong and Po Lui instruments to play and give to everyone to play. I also participated in every festival and exchange of the village and commune.

Nowadays, the need to use traditional instruments is less, and the occasions for exchange are also gradually decreasing, but I try not to forget how to make instruments, play instruments and sing folk songs. That is the spiritual life and also the way to preserve our Bru - Van Kieu culture," Mr. Ly shared.

Currently, he is one of the very few local artisans capable of skillfully crafting and performing musical instruments of the Van Kieu people.

Vice Chairman of Huong Phung Commune People's Committee Ho Van Quy said: "Mr. Ly is very knowledgeable about the traditional culture of the Van Kieu people, especially the making and use of musical instruments, singing folk songs, and practicing folk dances. We will continue to coordinate with all levels to open classes to teach and preserve the culture, and at the same time encourage Mr. Ly to continue to participate in teaching the next generation about the unique culture of the Van Kieu people, contributing to spreading the love of traditional musical instruments and folk songs to all people in the commune."

Minh Long

Source