The beauty of folk songs and dances of the Mong ethnic group

Being immersed in the sound of flutes, panpipes and the soaring, emotional singing of the Mong boys and girls during the holidays, we somehow felt the love and respect of each Mong person for the beauty of this cultural identity. The simple, sincere, passionate but delicate lyrics mixed with the melodious, shrill sound of panpipes, echoing throughout the mountains and forests, stirring people's hearts.

Ms. Hoang Thi Duyen in Na Pu hamlet, Nam Quang commune said: Folk songs of the Mong people are songs composed by the people themselves and have been passed down for a long time. There are many types of folk songs, and some types of folk songs are still preserved today: Singing in daily life includes lullabies, children's songs for fun; singing rituals include housewarming songs, wedding songs, farewell songs...; love songs, lament songs... Right from birth, Mong children are immersed in the cradle of community culture with folk songs about life and village building. Folk songs are not only expressed through words but can also be expressed through musical instruments such as flutes, panpipes, leaf trumpets, and jew's harps. This is a way to preserve the northern culture as well as enrich the folk songs of the Mong people.

In the folk songs of the Mong ethnic group, the songs of boys and girls are more unique. When in the fields, in the fields, meeting each other at markets, weddings, etc., the boys use lyrics and singing to express their feelings and wishes. When getting to know each other, they also use lyrics to ask about each other's family. The content of the song is often "Tonight, you and I sit and sing to each other so beautifully, but maybe the two of us are from the same family, the same ancestors. So we have to ask to know, if not, we will have the opportunity to become friends with each other". The way Mong boys express their love is straightforward and frank but extremely intense "My heart loves you as much as the leaves of the forest, if you don't have the heart, then forget it, if you do, then come back and let's stay together for a night, if you don't have the heart, then forget it, if you do, then come back and let's stay together for a day". The images in the lyrics are sincere and simple but also deeply reflect the thoughts and wishes to reach complete happiness. Through singing and playing the flute, they got to know each other and became husband and wife.

According to Mr. Duong Van Sang, Ha Quang commune, folk songs are associated with young men and women throughout the process from getting to know each other, to asking for the bride, entering the house to ask for a seat, asking for the ceremony and asking to take the bride home... Therefore, when Mong people's weddings take place, they are always attractive cultural festivals and leave deep impressions on the village community, through which people can express their feelings.

Along with singing folk songs during holidays and festivals, at funerals, in addition to reading the "Khua Ke" rite, the Mong people also sing a song the night before the funeral. When singing this song, the trumpets and drums must stop so that everyone can hear the singing. The way the song is performed is deeply ritualistic. All the sorrow for the deceased is conveyed into lyrics, the song tells about the deceased, why he died, the deceased's merits, praises the deceased and also expresses regret for the deceased; advice for the whole community and descendants; the wife's cry for her husband, the husband's cry for his wife; people who come to pay their respects also have kind words to say about the deceased... In the funeral, there are more than 20 songs, the content of the songs is not only imbued with humanity but also gives people wings to reach the good values of life.

The traditional panpipe dance of the Mong people demonstrates the resilience, strength and spirit of community cohesion during cultural festivals.

During their life and development, the Mong people have created many rich folk art forms. In particular, by imitating the movements of labor and production, they have created captivating dances with many genres such as: daily dance, group dance, religious dance, solo dance, prop dance... Each dance has different content, but in general, they all express the sympathy between people and people, people and nature. Through the flexibility of the body, the images of the very simple daily life and labor of the community are deeply recreated. The most typical and popular is the Khen dance, a dance with a rhythmic coordination between the movements of the hands and feet, repeated many times to the rhythm of the music , without any rules about which foot steps first and which foot steps later when dancing. But through the movements, the audience can perceive the emotions and feelings of each dancer, all directed towards a focal point as if to share, receive sympathy, show gratitude to the community, feel peace and comfort in their hearts...

Not only that, the dances that simulate the production and living activities of the people are also a way toeducate the younger generation to return to their roots. Therefore, in community activities, the fun always begins with the Khen dance, the flute concert or a single musical instrument. The sound of these instruments urges everyone to come closer together, to share in the joy of the community. The emotions and excitement during collective entertainment, including both men and women, the elderly and the young, gradually increase, then stop when the fun ends. For the Mong people, dance is the bond that brings members of the community closer together. Dance not only enriches spiritual life but is also a way to promote the cultural characteristics of the nation.

Ms. Hoang Thi Mai, Ha Quang commune shared: I am very proud that my ethnic group has such passionate and graceful dances. These dances help us forget the hardships of life as well as educate the younger generation to be conscious of living for the community and understanding the ethnic culture.

Through folk songs and dances, the Mong people always pray for favorable weather, bountiful crops, lush vegetation, a prosperous life, and healthy and happy children.

Van Khanh

Source: https://baocaobang.vn/net-dep-dan-ca-dan-vu-cua-dan-toc-mong-3178647.html