Unique folk singing art of Thuong Rang, Bo Meng

Created from the process of living and working, Thuong Rang and Bo Mang singing is a prominent folk performing art form in the folk song treasure of the Muong community in Phu Tho. With a long history, this unique art has developed through oral transmission.

Spiritual "specialties" of the Muong people

According to folk culture researcher, Meritorious Artist (NNUT) Bui Huy Vong in Lac Son commune, the history of the formation of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng folk singing has been mentioned many times in "Ang mo Muong" from a thousand years ago, shown in an excerpt from the mo song "Cuoi ly" (Advice to descendants): "... My sons and daughters stay behind in the future/ So that father can tell the mo master to say words of advice, words of advice/ Father can tell the last words, words of farewell/ Late at night, tell everything/ Whichever child wants to listen, listen/ Whichever child doesn't want to, it's fine/ Even if they don't want to, father will still tell...".

Meritorious artist Bach Thi Dao in Nat Son commune teaches Thuong Rang and Bo Mang singing to the young generation.

During the first days of the new year, Muong people in Muong Dong, Muong Vang, Thuong Coc, and Nat Son communes often perform folk songs, a popular form of which is the Xac bua custom (also known as "Sac bua" or "Xec bua") to wish a happy new year and sing folk songs of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng praising and congratulating the homeowner. Artisan Bui Van Vung in Chieng Vang hamlet, Muong Vang commune is one of those who still preserves these sweet lyrics and songs: "The water distribution, our magic guild is in the fields/ I look under the stilt house/ The milling house is in your house/ I look back and forth/ I see a pond, I see a pond/ I look into the milling house, your house is shady and exudes wealth...".

Muong people sing Thuong Rang and Bo Mang not only during festivals but also during production work, weddings, new houses, longevity celebrations... This form of cultural activity is often associated with festivals, emotional and spiritual life of the community, the content contains humanistic philosophy, compassion, conveying thoughts, feelings, dreams, love, aspirations, and ideals of life of people, enriching spiritual life, encouraging the spirit of work, as well as expressing the desire for a happy and prosperous life, contributing to the beauty in the character, soul, and lifestyle of the people.

Spreading heritage values in contemporary life

In recent years, with her love and passion for preserving cultural heritage, Meritorious Artist Bach Thi Dao in Beo hamlet, Nat Son commune has opened a class to teach Thuong Rang and Bo Meng singing to her children and grandchildren, mainly middle-aged women. Some children aged 10-15 who love Muong folk songs also attend. Artist Bach Thi Dao shared: In the past, due to socio -economic difficulties, Muong communities did not have the conditions to organize cultural activities. Most traditional cultural activities were at risk of being lost. Nowadays, life has changed a lot, people have preserved their own identity, especially folk songs with enduring vitality.

Comrade Nguyen Thanh Xuan, Head of the Department of Cultural Management, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: The Muong ethnic village and hamlet communities in the province still love to sing and listen to folk songs of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng. In 2023, through the implementation of the census, 85% of people participating in the survey affirmed that the younger generation and children in the families are enthusiastic and interested in directly participating in singing activities. Random interviews were conducted with children aged 10-15 who participated in local or school cultural activities to share their feelings of enjoyment in learning and singing Thuong Rang and Bo Meng. Not only Meritorious Artist Bach Thi Dao in Nat Son commune, but also some artisans holding cultural heritages such as Dinh Thi Thao in Ky Son ward and Quach Thi Lon in Dai Dong commune, who also proactively invited students to their homes to teach for free.

In July 2025, Phu Tho had 4 cultural heritages included in the list of national intangible cultural heritages. The folk singing art of Thuong Rang and Bo Mang of the Muong ethnic group is one of the cultural heritages honored, affirming its unique value, contributing to enriching Vietnamese folk music. The form of organizing folk singing activities in the community is increasingly interested. Dozens of Muong singing clubs have been established in the area to regularly participate in activities and practice performances, such as: Bai Chim (Quyet Thang commune), Muong Khu (Ngoc Son commune), Vu Binh (Lac Son commune)... Some Muong singing artists such as Bui Thi Lon, Dai Dong commune; Bui Van Hanh, Head of Muong Khu Muong Singing Club, Bui Van Chinh, Head of Vu Binh Muong Singing Club... pioneered in bringing Muong singing to the cyberspace platform, posting videos , recordings, exchange programs, Muong singing performances on youtube, facebook, zalo... to meet the needs of enjoying and learning about Muong singing, contributing to preserving and spreading the traditional art form.

Bui Minh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/doc-dao-nghe-thuat-hat-dan-gian-thuong-nbsp-rang-nbsp-bo-nbsp-meng-238214.htm