"Fueling" folk arts in traditional festivals

The Hau Van Thanh Festival at the Song Son - Ba Doi Festival in 2025.

Taking place right at the foot of Doc Cuoc Temple, Doc Cuoc Temple Blessing Festival (February 16th of the lunar calendar) and Banh Chung - Banh Giay Festival (May 12th of the lunar calendar) are unique and long-standing cultural features of the people of the coastal city of Sam Son. In the jubilant atmosphere of the festival, the special performances of the mass art groups and teams become "sublime" amid the cheers and encouragement of the people and tourists. Excerpts from ancient Cheo, Tuong, folk singing and dancing... are not only performed to serve the audience, but also as a way to tell the story of the land, people and the tradition of "When drinking water, remember the source" of the local people. Each performance brought to this year's festival was invested in and staged very elaborately by the art teams, creating a joyful atmosphere, leaving an impression on the audience. Ms. Le Thi Phuong, a member of the Sam Son Ward art troupe, shared: “Every time I participate in a performance at a festival, the members of the art troupe and I feel very proud, and our enthusiasm for mass cultural activities is further enhanced. Especially when traditional art performances receive enthusiastic support from the people and tourists.”

In Bim Son ward, the Hau Van Thanh festival is a highlight in the series of festival activities of the annual Song Son - Ba Doi Festival. With each beat of music resounding, the mediums take turns performing the Hau Gia ritual, offering offerings and performing dances to show respect to the saints in the Four Palaces. Not simply a religious ritual, the Hau Van Thanh festival is also a comprehensive art form, combining Chau Van music , dance and folk theater performance. Therefore, each Hau Gia is an emotional performance, evoking faith and admiration in the audience. During the ceremony, the Chau Van music mixed with the applause of the people created a profound spiritual cultural space, both solemn and full of national colors.

Mr. Tong Van Cuong, the Management Board of Song Son Temple Relic, said: The Hau Van Thanh Festival usually takes place on the evening of February 25 (lunar calendar), before the main ceremony on February 26 (lunar calendar). This is one of the most unique folk cultural activities that is most anticipated by locals and tourists from all over the festival. The Hau Van Thanh Festival is also an opportunity for mediums and musicians to exchange and learn. With a simple but skillful singing style, it has brought unique artistic experiences to locals and tourists. Through each festival season, Chau Van singing - a traditional folk art form and the beautiful cultural values of the Song Son - Ba Doi Festival have more opportunities to be preserved and spread strongly.

Coming to Hoang Phu commune during the Phu Khe village's Ky Phuc Festival (from the 16th to the 20th of the second lunar month), witnessing the people eagerly going to see the Tuong Club and the royal drum performances, one can see the strong vitality of this art form. With passion, the members of the club have brought drum performances with skillful rhythms and choreography, captivating the audience. Mr. Le Cong Huan (33 years old), a member of the Tuong and Royal Drum Club, said: “The characteristics of Phu Khe Royal Drum include 5 melodies: music, procession drum, welcome drum, dinh dinh drum and drum with drumsticks. There are very difficult movements, requiring a lot of practice time to be able to perform skillfully such movements as drumstick dancing, turning around, changing drum positions... Although it is a traditional folk art form, the Club has so far attracted nearly 40 members, including young people. For each member of the Club, the festival is a special “stage” to promote talent and together spread cultural values to the community.”

It can be seen that traditional festivals are not only symbols of spiritual connection but also places where folk cultural values continue to be preserved and shine. Through each festival season, folk songs, excerpts from tuong, cheo or simply folk dances... not only bring joy to viewers, but also contribute to "fueling" traditional arts. In modern life, it is this proud continuity that will contribute to creating a unique identity, enriching the spiritual life of Thanh people.

Article and photos: Hoai Anh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/tiep-lua-cho-van-nghe-dan-gian-trong-le-hoi-truyen-thong-253951.htm