The Then song flows on through the years.

Then singing is a unique form of folk art, combining lyrics and music. It is often performed during major festivals such as harvest prayers, peace prayers, coming-of-age ceremonies, or community gatherings. Each Then lyric carries profound meaning, expressing aspirations for a prosperous and happy life, abundant harvests, and family peace.

People's Artist Hoang Thi Bich Hong has participated in teaching Then singing and Tinh playing to thousands of Then enthusiasts.

The Magical Hot Pot Then

I have had the opportunity to watch the Lẩu Then performance of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in Thai Nguyen province many times. The melody of the background song flows endlessly on the magical sound of the Tinh lute, yet each time I hear it, I have a different feeling. But the same feeling of enchantment remains: as if I'm lost in a realm of heaven and earth.

The "feast" of Then hotpot begins with the pure innocence of both host and guests. And this spiritual "feast" has a strange intoxicating effect; with each note of music and song whispered in the ear, it seeps in, lingers, and guides everyone present back to the Then village.

People's Artist Hoang Thi Bich Hong, Head of the Then Singing Club of Thai Nguyen province, said: There are two types of Then: traditional Then and modernized Then. Traditional Then has a spiritual nature, while modernized Then is based on traditional Then, with content praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and love for the homeland, country, and people. In particular, those who sing traditional Then are not only artisans but also "Then masters" - people who connect the earthly realm and the spiritual realm.

If Then singing is the voice of heaven and earth, then the Tinh lute is the indispensable soul of each performance. The Tinh lute is a unique traditional musical instrument, simple in structure but with an exceptionally special sound.

The Dan Tinh is not only an instrument accompanying Then singing but also a tool for artists to express their talent and emotions. This is because the material for Then embodies the unique and exquisite essence of traditional cultural beauty. For example, in Lau Then, there is a suite: "Khun Tang Pay Cau An" (Going to the heavenly realm to pray for peace for family and village).

“Khửn tàng pây cầu an” is an ancient Then ritual consisting of 10 chapters: “Páo pháp páo slay” (presenting prayers to Buddha, deities, and saints); “Thái vế” (purifying and cleaning the altar for the ceremony); “Khảm lệ” (dancing to inspect the offerings before departure); “Pây tàng” (The Then army sets off); “Khảm hải” (crossing the Milky Way); “Khẩu tu va” (entering the king's gate); “Nộp lệ” (presenting offerings); “Ký slư lồng đang” (pronouncing blessings); “Tán đàn, tán lệ” (dancing to celebrate the ceremony); and “Hồi binh, khao mạ” (celebrating with the soldiers).

From everyday life, Lẩu Then has been artistically transformed, brought to the stage, and in recent years, Then singers from Thai Nguyen have participated in national and regional festivals. Because it embodies the essence of culture and has a unique, fantastical quality, the participating artists consistently win Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.

Sharing with us, artisan Chu Hai Hau from Suoi Boc hamlet, Yen Trach commune, said: "Since I was a child, I have listened to the Tinh lute and Then singing. I recognize the value of the songs and music, so I often go to Then singing clubs in the area to teach people new songs."

Meanwhile, artisan Hoang Thi Doi from Phuong Tien commune shared: "Then songs also have their own rules and regulations. When you don't know them, you find them strange and interesting, so you become curious and want to learn more. Once your fingers know how to press and release the keys and your mouth knows how to hum the songs, you become captivated. No matter how busy you are, you still dedicate some time each day to playing and singing, just like people need food and clothing."

Passing on pride

Then singing and Tinh playing are not only art forms but also an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the people of Thai Nguyen. For the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, Then is the voice of their hearts, a prayer, and an expression of gratitude to their ancestors and deities. The smooth and profound melodies of Then have become ingrained in their subconscious, serving as a source of encouragement and comfort in their daily lives.

Recognizing the importance of preserving the Then cultural heritage, in recent years, the provincial authorities and relevant agencies have made many efforts to conserve, preserve, and promote the value of Then singing and Tinh playing. Many classes teaching Then singing and Tinh playing have been opened in residential areas and schools, attracting the participation of a large number of people, especially the younger generation.

Members of the Then singing club in Khau Lai hamlet, Hop Thanh commune, during a practice session.

In the effort to preserve and transmit Then singing in Thai Nguyen province, many people mention artisan Tran Yen Binh from Tich Luong ward. Mr. Binh has put a lot of effort into reviving the Then singing and Tinh lute playing movement in the province. The story began more than 20 years ago, when Mr. Binh was working at the Provincial Cultural Center (now the Provincial Cultural and Arts Center). He recounted: Following the instructions of Comrade Mong Dong Vu, Director of the Provincial Cultural Center, the task was to collect and gather Then singing artisans.

To fulfill his assigned "mission," Mr. Binh sought out Then singing artisans to encourage them to join the club. Whenever he heard of someone who knew and loved Then singing, he would go to their house and "plead" with them to join. Seeing his enthusiasm, several elderly people who knew Then singing and Tinh playing registered to participate, and also encouraged their children and grandchildren to join the club to learn Then singing and Tinh playing.

The club was founded in 2007 with 18 members, but only 7 knew how to sing Then and play the Tinh instrument. By July 2025, the provincial Then singing club had grown to over 50 members.

The club members have spread their passion for Then singing throughout the community. As a result, the number of people who know how to sing Then and play the Tinh instrument has increased, and dozens of Then singing clubs have been established in residential areas, with over 500 members. People guide and help each other learn the skills of playing the Tinh instrument and how to use vocal techniques and intonation when participating in singing performances.

Currently, the mass media features a diverse range of music from various cultures around the world , but a miraculous phenomenon exists in everyday life: the lyrics of Then and the sounds of Tinh naturally resonate with the sweet melodies of heaven and earth, and of the human heart. This is simply because Then singing and Tinh playing are not just art forms, but also embody the soul and profound cultural beauty of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups of Northern Vietnam.

Each Then melody, each Tinh lute note, embodies love and attachment to the homeland, to the roots, and to the traditional cultural values ​​that have been preserved and passed down for millennia and will continue to do so forever.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202507/loi-then-chay-dai-cung-nam-thang-baf12d5/