The "keepers of the flame" of Cao Lan culture

At the age of 76, the distinguished artisan Lac Tien Sinh remains passionate about preserving and promoting the Cao Lan ethnic culture. He is considered the "keeper of the flame" for Sinh Ca, a unique form of Cao Lan folk music that is in danger of disappearing.

Born and raised in a traditional Cao Lan family in Yen Binh commune, Lao Cai province, Mr. Lac Tien Sinh was exposed early to the simple and familiar melodies of Sinh Ca folk songs. His passion for folk music began to ignite in his youth, when he noticed that many cultural values ​​of his ethnic group were gradually fading away.

In particular, in the 1980s, the late Cao Lan ethnic poet Lam Quy came to Tan Huong (now part of Yen Binh commune) to collect Sinh Ca songs, which further motivated him to research and preserve this folk melody.

According to Mr. Sinh, the Cao Lan people often sing Sinh songs during the New Year, at weddings, festivals, housewarming parties, and anywhere else, such as in the fields, on the roads, or on the mountain slopes; they sing to invite spirits... The most popular form is call-and-response singing, also known as courtship singing, between men and women to express their feelings. To date, Mr. Sinh has collected and written new lyrics for nearly 200 Sinh songs.

In 2015, the commune established the Folk Song Club of Ethnic Groups, and Mr. Sinh was invited to be its chairman. Under Mr. Sinh's leadership, the Club has grown and attracted a large number of members.

Currently, the club has over 50 members who regularly participate in performances and exchanges with other clubs inside and outside the province, and take part in competitions and festivals at all levels.

You may also like

The Hai Phong Department of Industry and Trade aims for a 15.5% increase in the industrial development index.In 2026, Hai Phong's industry and trade sector has set a target of a 15.5% increase in the industrial development index, striving for a 16% increase compared to 2025.

Horses, spring, and the journey to discover the depth of a profession.When spring arrives, the ancient village of Duong Lam enters a very unique rhythm. The laterite stone walls lean gently in the soft sunlight, and the scent of wood smoke mingles with the fragrance of incense wafts through the dark brown roofs.

"Cultural ambassadors" bring the sounds of the mountains to many countries.Along the Trường Sơn mountain range and the deep blue Sê San river, for many years, Meritorious Artisan Rơ Châm Tih (Gia Lai province) has not only preserved the ancient sounds of the Gia Rai people but also spread their ethnic culture far and wide...

In addition, from 2021 to the present, he has participated in teaching six classes on folk art and culture performances; traditional customs, practices, and rituals; the language, songs, and folk dances characteristic of the Cao Lan ethnic group, such as Sinh Ca singing, shrimp catching dance, and Pang Loong dance...

According to 95-year-old artisan Tran Thi Thach from Khe Gay village: "I find Mr. Sinh to be a very dedicated and responsible person when it comes to passing on ethnic culture."

As one of the long-time members of the Folk Song Club of Ethnic Groups in Yen Binh commune, Ms. Vu Thi Hong Manh, Head of Khe Gay village, shared: “We have been guided and taught folk songs and dances by Mr. Sinh, enabling us to perform in many places. Through the activities of the Club, I feel very proud and love the culture of my ethnic group.”

Deeply committed to his national culture, the books recording the lyrics of Sinh Ca songs have always been carefully preserved by the Distinguished Artisan Lac Tien Sinh. According to him, preserving the essence of the nation is like a command from his heart, compelling him to do so.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Senior Party and State leaders send letters and telegrams congratulating the United States on its National Day.In congratulatory letters and messages on the US Independence Day, senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State reaffirmed that Vietnam considers the United States one of its strategically important partners.

Senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State send letters and telegrams congratulating the United States on its National Day.In congratulatory letters and messages on the US Independence Day, senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State reaffirmed that Vietnam considers the United States one of its strategically important partners.

Strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and the United States.On July 3rd, as part of the Pacific Partnership - Friends of the Pacific 2026 program, the U.S. Army Pacific delegation, led by Lieutenant General Joel Vowell, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Pacific, paid a courtesy visit to the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command.

Thanks to his quiet dedication and commitment, Mr. Lac Tien Sinh has contributed to the restoration, preservation, and safeguarding of the Cao Lan ethnic group's cultural values. He has been and continues to be a "keeper of the flame," keeping alive the spirit of Cao Lan folk songs, so that those smooth, profound melodies will forever resonate in the land of Yen Binh.

Presented by HOANG THU

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/nguoi-giu-lua-van-hoa-cao-lan-post881730.html