The cultural torchbearers

In Tuyen Quang, artisans and members of cultural preservation clubs have become the dedicated “torchbearers” who quietly keep the cultural flame alive, passing down traditions and integrating ethnic values into modern life. Their work contributes to making Tuyen Quang an attractive cultural tourism destination.

An artisan in Son Thuy commune preserves traditional farming tools of the San Diu ethnic group.

Amidst the pace of modern life, the melodious sounds of the Tinh lute and ancient Then singing of the Tay people still echo through the mountainous city of Tuyen Quang. This is thanks to the tireless passion of artisans like Nguyen Van Chu, from Ha Giang 1 ward.

Mr. Chu shared that there was a time when this unique art form was at risk of disappearing. Concerned about this reality, in 2021, he and several other passionate individuals opened classes to teach Tinh lute playing and Then singing. The classes in Tha and Chang hamlets have become familiar gathering places, attracting Tay ethnic youth who share a love for their traditional culture. “There are about 20 students, all of them Tay people from the local area. Their enthusiasm and devotion help keep the classes active and full of energy,” said Mr. Chu.

As Chairman of the local Folk Artisans Association, Mr. Chu has also contributed to reviving more than 20 ancient Then melodies of the Tay people, including songs with deep spiritual meaning such as Kham pe, suoi thuong (guiding the soul to the afterlife). He emphasized that to preserve ancient folk songs, one must first understand and sing them accurately before passing them on to the younger generation — a fundamental way to sustain and spread the cultural heritage of the community.

In Son Thuy commune, three artisans - Meritorious Artists Luc Van Bay and Do Thi Man, and Folk Artisan Luc Thi Tu - have been pioneers in reviving San Diu ethnic culture. The fact that a single commune has three artisans honored by the State and the Vietnam Folk Arts Association reflects the passion and dedication of its people toward cultural heritage.

At the traditional house of Meritorious Artist Luc Van Bay in Ninh Phu hamlet, the cultural space of the San Diu people is preserved almost intact. It was here, in 2004, that he founded the Soong Co singing club (a traditional love-response folk singing style) with 35 members. Every weekend, villagers gather at his home to practice singing. Today, membership has grown to 120, with special attention given to training younger generations.

An Thi Tra My, a young member from Hoi Ke hamlet, shared: “By joining the club, I can exchange and learn Soong Co songs. My grandparents also taught me the San Diu script and the moral values passed down by our ancestors. I’m proud to learn and help preserve the beauty of our ethnic culture.”

Recently, Tuyen Quang province has implemented various initiatives to enhance cultural preservation capacity, notably Project No. 6 on “Preserving and Promoting the Fine Traditional Cultural Values of Ethnic Minorities Associated with Tourism Development,” under the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for 2021–2030.

Thanks to these efforts, the province has achieved significant progress in promoting traditional cultural values and strengthening awareness of cultural preservation among ethnic communities.

Ly Thu