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.

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.

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