Sweet melodies from all over Thailand

For the Thai ethnic group, folk songs have long been an indispensable part of community gatherings. They are closely linked to traditional culture and hold great significance in the spiritual life of the Thai people.

The performing arts group of the Elderly Association of Pán village, Chiềng Ly commune, Thuận Châu district, practices singing Thai folk songs. Photo: PV

In the Thai language, "khap" means singing. Khap lyrics are rhyming and rhythmic verses, like poetry. The main form is five-word, six-word, seven-word, or more. The White Thai (Tay Don, Tay Khao) and the Black Thai (Tay Dam) have different styles of singing, expressions, and intonations; these songs may begin with "ha...oi," "xai panh ha oi," "ha oi panh oi," "oi oi panh a panh oi," etc., but generally they all reflect the content of human life, the process of labor and production, entertainment, and religious rituals.

From birth, Thai ethnic babies are lulled to sleep by gentle, soothing lullabies (khắp ú luk non). In adolescence, they participate in games accompanied by lively folk songs (khắp lếch nọi). In adulthood, they sing love songs or traditional courtship songs (khắp báo sao). When starting a family, there are call-and-response songs in wedding ceremonies (khắp au paự, au khưới); when building a house, there are songs asking for permission to move into a new home (khắp chôm mâng hướn máư). In rituals, there are songs sung, and in agricultural activities, there are songs sung in the fields, in the rice paddies, and in ceremonies praying for rain and a bountiful harvest (khắp loong tông)...

The treasury of Thai folk songs also includes the "khap su" melody, a style of storytelling through poetry, recounting the battles fought by their ancestors (Tay Pu Soc), love stories, fairy tales, stories of Ca Dong - Cam Lau, Y Noi Nang Xua, Khun Lu Nang Ua (the young man Lu and the young woman Ua), Xong Chu Xon Xao (farewell to a lover), Tan Chu Xong Xuong (expressing feelings of love)... With this melody, one can sing from the beginning to the end of a poem or a long story, while adding embellishments and rhythms that can sometimes be free, faster or slower than the main melody to suit the content of the poem.

The courtship songs sung between young men and women (across the newspapers) are often performed during celebrations, Tet (Lunar New Year), and festivals, which are also the seasons when young men and women express their feelings and exchange vows. Typically, one side (male) and the other (female) sing in a call-and-response style. When one side finishes, the other responds in turn, starting with greetings, introductions, recounting family backgrounds, expressing feelings, and saying goodbye in a beautiful and skillful manner. If both sides are adept at improvisation, the singing flows smoothly, without interruption, especially when hearts meet, the singing can continue all night long.

In addition, the nursery rhymes passed down from previous generations to Thai ethnic children are often associated with childhood memories. These nursery rhymes usually only have rhymes and no overarching meaning, but they are deeply ingrained in each person's subconscious, helping them to love nature and their homeland even more.

To preserve and promote Thai folk songs, over the years, various levels and sectors in the province have researched, collected, and systematized documents on traditional folk songs of ethnic groups; honored and rewarded artisans; and advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue policies to support and maintain the activities of clubs for singing Then, playing the Tinh instrument, and singing Thai folk songs, such as: the Thai folk song club in Bong village, Chieng Pan commune, Yen Chau district; the Thai folk song club in Nghe Toong village, Muong Giang commune, Quynh Nhai district; and the Thai folk song club in Quang Huy commune, Phu Yen district...

Established in 2014, the Thai folk singing club in Quang Huy commune, Phu Yen district, has 13 members. Mr. Hoang Quach Cau, the club's chairman, said: "Besides regularly practicing, the members also collect and teach folk melodies to the next generation. At the same time, they develop programs to perform at festivals and holidays, and participate in local arts festivals and performances."

Besides singing Thai folk songs, the distinguished artisan Cam Vui from It Ong town, Muong La district, also crafts several traditional musical instruments, such as the Si slo, Pi Pap, and Pi tam lay… Mr. Vui shared: “Since I was a child, I have listened to my grandparents sing Thai folk songs. Nowadays, ancient Thai folk melodies are gradually disappearing, so I have collected, composed, and written lyrics for over 350 Thai folk songs, hoping that many people will appreciate them.”

The folk culture of the Thai ethnic group is rich in content and diverse in genre. Within this treasure trove, folk songs hold a central position. Despite the many changes brought about by modernity, the Thai people continue to preserve and promote their traditional folk melodies, contributing to the enrichment of their spiritual and cultural life.

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