The Pí lè horn in the cultural life of the Red Dao people

The Pí lè horn belongs to the wind instrument family and consists of three main parts: the mouthpiece, the body, and the bell. The mouthpiece is a small copper tube where the player controls the airflow to create sound. The body is made of hollowed-out round wood, about 40 cm long, divided into 10 sections, of which the 7 middle sections have small circular holes drilled vertically in rows at equal intervals, allowing the player to create different pitches. The bell is made of thin cast copper, in the shape of a truncated cone, 13 cm long and about 16 cm in diameter, which amplifies the sound, creating a resonant and full sound.

According to Mr. Xiêm Hồng Piao from Lũng Pán hamlet, Huy Giáp commune, the Pí lè horn is a traditional musical instrument passed down through many generations as an indispensable part of their cultural and spiritual life. In the beliefs of the Dao people, the Pí lè horn is considered a treasure of the clan, carrying sacred meaning, and therefore must absolutely not be sold, exchanged, or lost.

Outwardly, the Pí lè has a fairly simple structure, but in reality, it is a difficult instrument to master. The player uses a technique of inhaling through the nose and pushing air through the mouth; the airflow passes through the mouthpiece and then impacts the small holes on the body of the instrument to produce sound. During performances, depending on the ritual and emotional nuances, the player flexibly applies vibrato and breath control techniques, skillfully combining them with finger movements on the body of the instrument to create rich melodies. To play the Pí lè beautifully, the learner needs passion, perseverance, and long-term practice. Only by thoroughly understanding each breath and each vibrato note can they fully convey the soul and emotions of the Dao people through the sound of the instrument.

The sound of the Pí lè horn seems to tell stories about life, love, filial piety, and belief in good things. — The Pí lè horn is a symbol of the soul, beliefs, and cultural identity passed down through generations of the Red Dao people.

The pí lè can play 72 different melodies, each with its own unique character. At weddings, the cheerful and lively sound of the pí lè expresses joy and blessings for the couple. At funerals, the melody becomes mournful and somber, like a farewell to the deceased. In coming-of-age ceremonies, the fluctuating pitch symbolizes the journey of maturation in life.

In particular, according to ancient tradition, the wedding ceremony is considered the most important ritual in a person's life. Therefore, on the happy day of the Red Dao boys and girls, the sound of the Pí lè horn resounds. With the belief that the horn's sound can ward off bad luck and bring peace and good fortune, the horn band always leads the wedding procession, paving the way for happiness, prosperity, and a good start to their married life.

At weddings, trumpets are used at various times, each melody and rhythm corresponding to the ceremony taking place. While the trumpet music for the wedding procession is lively and boisterous, the trumpet music for locking the bride's feet carries a gentle, affectionate melody, expressing the respect and affection of the groom's family. Especially during the ancestral worship ceremony, when the bride and groom thank their parents and elders, the trumpet music becomes slow and solemn, like a profound expression of gratitude. When raising a toast to their happiness, the trumpet music becomes lively and bright, like a blessing sent to the young couple. The trumpet music is accompanied by the sounds of gongs and cymbals, creating a sacred, joyful, and solemn atmosphere filled with happiness.

More than just a musical instrument witnessing marital happiness, the sound of the Pí lè horn is also considered a matchmaker, bringing Dao men and women closer together. It is thanks to the sound of the horn, harmonizing with the Páo dung songs, that many young men and women have found each other and become husband and wife.

The sound of the Pí lè horn is not only the sound of festivals and rituals, but also the voice of the people expressing their feelings to nature, the earth, and their ancestors. This sound tells stories of life, love, filial piety, and faith in goodness. Preserving and promoting the value of the Pí lè horn means preserving the cultural soul of the Red Dao people, so that this flame of tradition will continue to shine brightly in life today and in the future.

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