The core of the village

In Ba Chẽ, artisans are considered "living human treasures." Each comes from a different field and ethnic group, but they all share a passion, enthusiasm, and responsibility in preserving, conserving, teaching, and promoting the traditional culture of their people.

Folk artist Ha Xuan Tien in Nam Son commune currently preserves a treasure trove of nearly 600 books with over 16,000 pages, documenting Dao culture across various regions. The knowledge he has passed on has helped the Dao community in Ba Che district and the communes of Yen Than, Hai Lang (Tien Yen), and Bang Ca (Ha Long City)... to better understand Dao culture throughout Vietnam, thereby restoring and developing the Dao ethnic culture in its original form in their respective localities. Since 2004, artist Ha Xuan Tien has participated in teaching Dao language classes and supporting the development of a Dao language radio channel on television and radio, thus facilitating cultural preservation efforts. "I also dedicate time to composing many Dao songs so that the younger generation can easily learn about Dao culture through melodies," Mr. Tien shared.

Folk artist Ha Xuan Tien is considered a living cultural treasure of the Dao people in Quang Ninh .

Over the years, ethnic cultural values ​​that seemed to be fading away have been revived within the community and widely disseminated in Ba Chẽ district. This is the result of a long journey of searching and collecting by artisans from the Northeast region. Currently, there are four recognized folk artisans in the district: Mr. Triệu Thanh Xuân, of the Dao Thanh Phán ethnic group, from Đồn Đạc commune; Mr. Lục Văn Bình, of the Cao Lan ethnic group; Mr. Hà Xuân Tiến and Mr. Đặng A Mản, of the Dao Thanh Y ethnic group, all from Nam Sơn commune. They are the threads that hold together the indigenous elements, characteristics, and unique cultural nuances of the ethnic minorities in the district. Not only are they inheritors of these legacies, but these artisans also constitute a vast archive of tangible and intangible cultural materials, reflecting, practicing, and transmitting the cultural values ​​and identity of their ethnic groups.

The Quang Ninh Provincial Folk Arts Association awarded the title of Vietnamese Folk Artisan to Mr. Trieu Thanh Xuan and Mr. Luc Van Binh. Photo: Pham Hoc

Each person, through their own methods and the practice of folk rituals and beliefs such as the initiation ceremony, turtle dance, spirit possession and fire dancing, and ceremonies for baby's first month, funerals, and weddings, has affirmed their role as respected figures in the community. They impart knowledge and help people change their perceptions, eliminate and push back against outdated customs. Through their unique approaches, they understand the aspirations and concerns of the community, work together to overcome difficulties, and educate and guide the younger generation to be proud of and responsible for their unique cultural identity. From there, they mobilize everyone to work together to eradicate poverty, preserve and promote the beautiful cultural traditions of the nation.

Folk artist Dang A Man teaches the Dao Nôm script.

Amidst the strong trend of cultural exchange and integration, the number of artisans and respected community leaders is dwindling without a successor generation; Ba Chẽ district has promptly encouraged and honored the team of artisans, enabling them to develop their abilities and continue contributing to the preservation of traditional culture.

According to Mr. Ha Ngoc Tung, Head of the Culture and Information Department of Ba Che District, the district regularly creates opportunities for artisans to interact and exchange experiences, helping them to raise awareness of their position and role in preserving and promoting national cultural identity; to be aware of the importance of passing it on to future generations; and to contribute to the development strategy of the cultural industry in the comprehensive development phase of ethnic minority and mountainous areas of the province.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/nhung-nghe-nhan-dan-gian-giu-gin-van-hoa-ban-lang-3245482.html