The spinning top - the "main character" in the Tu lu game, is handcrafted from hard, strong and heavy woods such as ironwood, ironwood... It is round, with one end pointed to spin on the ground, the other end is flat and smooth to hold, knock or spin strongly. Players often choose good wood, cut it into pieces that fit their hands, then use a knife to carefully carve it so that the Tu lu is both beautiful and balanced.
Sharing about the process of making spinning tops, Mr. Vu Seo Chu, Quan Din Ngai village, Ban Pho commune, Bac Ha district said: Normally, each spinning top can be used for 3-4 years depending on how much you play it and the quality of the wood. When carving the spinning top, you have to be skillful, the spinning top must not only be beautiful but also sturdy, and feel "heavy in the hand" when held.
In addition to the spinning top, the spinning rope also plays a very important role in the game. The rope is hand-woven from flax, a traditional plant of the Mong people, with a length of 2 to 3 meters. One end of the rope is tied to a bamboo branch about 40 cm long, about the size of a thumb, to act as a handle to throw the spinning top. This structure helps players easily control the spinning force as well as direct it accurately.
The game of Tu Lu seems simple but requires high skills and a smooth coordination between technique and judgment.
On a large, flat field, each team takes turns throwing their tops in a designated circle. Then, the other team throws their tops at the opponent's spinning top. If the thrower's Tu Lu hits the opponent's top and continues to spin on the ground, they score a point.
The rules of Tu lu can also change depending on the locality. For the Mong people in Ban Pho commune (Bac Ha), the Tu lu competition rules are clearly defined and highly competitive. Players must go through 3 rounds, corresponding to 3 throwing distances: 4 meters, 8 meters and 12 meters. The further the distance, the higher the challenge. In particular, the 12-meter throwing round is considered an opportunity for the boys to demonstrate their strength and class in top-throwing skills.
Mr. Vang Seo Lu, an experienced Tu lu player in Lang Moi village, Ban Pho commune, shared: Playing Tu lu helps men practice dexterity, sharp eyes, and accurate playing. Those who play well will not only be praised by the villagers but also easily "catch the eye" of girls!
Not only a playground for men, Tu lu is also a community activity that anyone, from adults to children, can participate in. In highland villages, Tu lu games are held in early spring or during traditional festivals, attracting locals and tourists to participate. The cheers, applause, and laughter of the spectators create a bustling, exciting, and emotional atmosphere.
Besides its entertainment value, Tu Lu is also a means of connecting the community. This game creates opportunities for villagers to exchange, learn, and increase solidarity, especially with the younger generation.
When the children saw their elders playing Tu Lu, they also learned to make tops and play them, and gradually fell in love with this traditional game. For the Mong people in the highlands, it is also an unforgettable part of their childhood memories.
Preserving and promoting the traditional value of the Tu Lu game is a valuable thing. In recent times, the government and people of Bac Ha have maintained regular organization of Tu Lu competitions during each Lunar New Year, ethnic cultural festival, Bac Ha White Plateau festival... to preserve and spread the traditional cultural beauty of the Mong people to domestic and international tourists.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/tro-choi-truyen-thong-doc-dao-cua-nguoi-mong-post402553.html
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