Traditional Then singing of the Tay ethnic group seeks world heritage list

(Cinet)- The northern province of Tuyen Quang has tried to have the traditional Then singing of the Tay ethnic group into the list of the world intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Tuyen Quang province is home to 64 Then singing clubs with the participation of nearly 1,000 locals.There are two types of Then singing: “Then ky yen” (praying for good things) and “Then le hoi” (Then festival). The first type is performed at rituals, while the latter form aims to cheer up people and drive away sorrow and hardship in life and is normally used in such rituals as praying for good seasons, entering the new house, or “cap sac” (coming-of-age).

The province has planned to preserve and promote the cultural values of Then singing and related Tay ethnic rituals; collected documents, filmed, and recorded Then performances; and compiled thematic articles about this art form. Then-related documents and objects will be published and Then art performances organized to further popularise the art genere. The musical genre, which is also practiced by the Nung and Thai ethnic groups, is popular in Tuyen Quang’s Chiem Hoa, Na Hang, Lam Binh, Son Duong, Yen Son and Ham Yen districts.

The style of singing is traditionally accompanied by a handmade gourd lute called “Dan Tinh” – the soul of the music.

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