As the sun sets behind the western mountains, a timeless tradition unfolds along the riverbanks of Vietnam. Young men trek home from the fields in the upper village, while their counterparts, shy young women from the lower village, pause along the river's edge. Though separated by the flowing water, an unspoken connection thrives as the women serenade the day's tales through melodious songs. Across the river, the men reciprocate, their voices carrying back and forth into the night. This poignant exchange, known as Quan Họ Bắc Ninh, paints a picture of cultural richness and communal bonding.
Quan Họ Bắc Ninh, a traditional Vietnamese folk song, traces its roots back to the thirteenth century in the Bắc Ninh region, nestled about thirty kilometers from the bustling city of Hanoi. While the art form has seen a decline in recent years, its essence still thrives during special occasions such as village festivals and New Year celebrations. Even familial visits between villages serve as opportunities to keep the tradition alive, fostering a sense of solidarity and heritage preservation.
In the heart of Bắc Ninh, Quan Họ Bắc Ninh serves as more than mere entertainment—it intertwines with daily life. Whether sung during farming, crafting, or festive spring celebrations like Tết, these melodies weave social ties and even spark romantic connections. Adorned in traditional attire, women don large round hats and scarves, while men don turbans and loose clothing, their harmonies echoing through the ages.
Exploring the cultural significance of Quan Họ Bắc Ninh unveils its role as a living repository of Vietnamese history, where each verse carries echoes of ancient legends, communal wisdom, and the resilience of the Vietnamese spirit through centuries of triumphs and challenges.
The structure of Quan Họ Bắc Ninh is as intricate as its melodies, with a call-and-response dynamic between lead singers and choruses. Women initiate with the leading verse, or câu ra, met by men's responding verse, or câu đối, each iteration carrying its own unique melody. Themes of love, sorrow, and happiness permeate the lyrics, reflecting the sentiments of generations past.
Moreover, Quan Họ Bắc Ninh embodies the essence of Vietnamese identity, transcending geographical boundaries to unite Vietnamese communities worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their shared heritage.
Beyond its artistic beauty, Quan Họ Bắc Ninh embodies a collective cultural heritage, binding Vietnamese communities together in shared identity and aspirations for peace and prosperity. Recognizing its significance, the Vietnamese government has recently implemented safeguarding policies to ensure its transmission for future generations. Moreover, its inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 solidifies its global recognition and protection.
From the ratification of the 2003 Convention to present-day efforts, Vietnam's commitment to heritage protection is evident. Through national laws and collaborative initiatives with NGOs, cultural treasures like Quan Họ Bắc Ninh stand poised to endure the test of time. However, sustaining these traditions requires ongoing dedication to practice, research, dissemination, and support from both local and international communities.
As the melodies of Quan Họ Bắc Ninh continue to drift over the currents of the Red River, they serve as a reminder of Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry and the enduring power of tradition in an ever-changing world.
This article is part of our ongoing coverage of intangible cultural heritages around the world.
Quan Họ Bắc Ninh, an exquisite glimpse into the heart of traditional Vietnamese folk music: Captured by Nguyen Thi Minh Hai
April 11, 2024. Contributed by Publisher & Editor Dr. Seong-Yong Park.
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