Thanh Hoa Festival - a "museum" of unique folk performances

In the flow of Vietnamese culture, few regions possess such a dense concentration and rich diversity of festivals as Thanh Hoa province. As the festival flag flutters in the wind, the drums beat rhythmically, and the melodious sounds of music and singing fill the air... the community's memories, preserved through hundreds of years of history, are authentically and vividly recreated. Thanh Hoa festivals are not only religious activities but also a vibrant "museum" of folk performance, a convergence of unique historical and cultural layers.

The Tú Huần performance at the Kỳ Phúc Festival in Quỳ Chử village (Hoằng Giang commune).

From the dawn of the nation, performing arts in Thanh Hoa province in general have been recognized. One of the most vivid and convincing proofs is the unique carvings on the Dong Son bronze drums depicting images of ancient Vietnamese people in costume standing on boats, dancing, playing flutes, holding cymbals, etc.

The performing arts scene in Thanh Hoa province is a vast category, encompassing the entire length of history and the depth of culture. Within it, folk performances, originating from rudimentary theater, are the soul of customary theater (rituals and ceremonies) and progressing to village festival theater (festivals). Folk performances in Thanh Hoa festivals are often closely linked to the spiritual life and history of the villages. These stories, passed down through generations, are not only for the enjoyment of the festival but also to commemorate the contributions of ancestors, educate on the moral principle of remembering one's roots, and strengthen community bonds.

For example, the Pồn Pôông performance – a unique folk art form of the Muong people in Thanh Hoa province – is often performed during the spring days. In the Muong language, "Pồn" means to play; "Pôông" means flower; "Pồn Pôông" simply means to have fun, dancing around a flower tree with the meaning of praying for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, peace in the village, and good health for everyone.

The Pồn Pôông performance is divided into two parts: the ceremonial part before the ancestral altar and the flower-playing part. In the festival space, a cotton tree is erected as a symbol of fertility, bountiful harvests, and the aspiration for abundance. The trunk of the cotton tree is made of bamboo, and the flowers are skillfully carved from the chạng bạng tree by folk artisans, dyed in vibrant colors.

Under the direction of Mrs. May and Mr. Au, the people of the village will sing songs, engage in call-and-response courtship, and rejoice in dances and graceful movements that mimic activities in community life... "The custom of playing with flowers, playing with caves, playing in markets bears the mark of fertility beliefs and is also a way of rediscovering the roots of the ancient rural commune. These should be considered religious performances in ancient Vietnamese culture in Thanh Hoa province, and thus clearly indicate that this is a form of indigenous folk theater that arose naturally in the ancient Vietnamese community of Thanh Hoa" (Thanh Hoa Gazetteer, Volume II - Culture and Society, Social Sciences Publishing House).

While the Pồn Pôông performance clearly reflects the worldview and philosophy of the Mường people along the western roads of Thanh Hóa province, the Tú Huần performance is considered a distinctive highlight that creates the appeal of the Kỳ Phúc festival in Quỳ Chử village (Hoằng Giang commune).

The performance team consists of 14 people, including one person playing the father, one playing the mother, and twelve children. Even the composition of the Tú Huần performance holds special significance, representing the development and expansion of the village and the nation. Generations follow one another, with each subsequent generation larger than the previous one. The older generation (parents) must always be the pillar and center for gathering the younger generations (children). Conversely, the younger generation (children) must look to their roots and strive for progress. The costumes used in the Tú Huần performance are scarves, shirts, and skirts, similar to those worn by ancient Vietnamese people.

Without elaborate stage setups or props, the appeal of the Tú Huần performance in Quỳ Chử village lies in its simple yet expressive art form. The music of the Tú Huần performance is relatively simple but unique, a harmonious blend of drum sounds (small drums, rice drums, cymbals, etc.) and the repeated "hẹ, hẹ" sound after each song, creating a very pleasant sound.

Mr. Le Dinh Xe (70 years old, Dong Nam village, Hoang Giang commune) has participated in the Tu Huan folk performance for over 10 years, playing the role of the father, leading 12 children with the rhythmic beat of drums and skillful, flexible movements. Despite his advanced age, Mr. Xe remains enthusiastic and dedicated to village and community affairs. He shared: “Participating in the Tu Huan performance is an honor and a source of pride. It's an opportunity for younger generations to express their gratitude to their ancestors and contribute to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.”

The festival is a tapestry of colors and sounds. The movements, chants, and folk rhythms are not simply a reenactment of an ancient story, but also a way for people to express their aspirations for a peaceful life, abundant harvests, and strong community bonds. The Tú Huần performance is like a shared realm of folk memory.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, many traditional values ​​are facing the risk of fading away. However, in Thanh Hoa province, within the profound layers of its cultural heritage, the image of moss-covered village communal houses, ancient wells, historical sites, and festivals... still endures with enduring vitality. And in such times, folk performances stir up the village atmosphere, vividly present in community life. There, the boundary between performers and audience seems to blur. Everyone merges into a sacred yet intimate cultural space, creating a bond between the community and the spiritual world. These folk cultural values ​​always resonate in the community's consciousness like the heartfelt echoes of their roots.

Text and photos: Dang Khoa

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/le-hoi-xu-thanh-bao-tang-tro-dien-dan-gian-dac-sac-288657.htm