Reviving the spirit of the countryside

(Baonghean) - The people of Nghe An, reflected in the length of history, the breadth of space, and the depth of culture, have proven themselves to be a region of "sacred land and outstanding people," with many exceptional talents. All of this unique soul and identity is embodied in the heartfelt and passionate folk songs and melodies of Nghe Tinh. And now, they have joined the global cultural flow with the recognition of "Nghe Tinh folk songs and melodies as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity."

Teachers and students from Dang Thai Mai Secondary School (Vinh City) learn about the revolutionary movement of 1930-1931 at the Nghe Tinh Soviet Museum. Photo: My Ha

Since ancient times, Nghe An province has been known as a land where "drought comes before the sun, and floods come before the rain"—the sun scorches the skin, the rain blankets the sky, and the cold bites at the bone. Perhaps these harsh climatic conditions have shaped the unique characteristics of the people of Nghe An. These include resilience, hard work, self-reliance, self-strength, diligence, creativity in labor and production, and unity in striving to build a prosperous life. The people of Nghe An are studious, recognizing that education is essential for sustainable poverty alleviation. They are straightforward and decisive, yet also incredibly tolerant… These virtues and emotional nuances have been reflected in literature and art throughout history, especially in the folk songs and melodies: "To be full, one must work hard / One golden grain of rice, nine drops of sweat" or "Only through hardship can one have food / Only through toil and struggle can one achieve prosperity…"

The cultural depth, historical length, and vastness of the picturesque countryside of Nghe An have nurtured the cultural essence and the character of the people. These two elements form the foundation of Nghe An's identity. Creating a unique cultural identity, preserving and transmitting it through the waves of time, and integrating it into the flow of global culture requires the efforts of all those living in this cultural cradle. Because it is people who create culture, and conversely, to preserve, develop, and spread cultural identity, a human development strategy is necessary. The scholars, heroes, and exemplary figures such as Phan Boi Chau, President Ho Chi Minh, Le Hong Phong, and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai... are the foundation and driving force for the young men and women of Lam Hong to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, further illuminating the soul and character of the people of Nghe An. It is gratifying that the status of a "land of learning" has been reaffirmed over the years. Recently, in 2014, with 107 students winning national awards, ranking second nationwide; notably, with 4 students winning international and regional prizes, and 125 students achieving high scores, including 12 valedictorians, ranking first nationwide in the university entrance exam… this studious rural area continues to be honored.

These bountiful harvests are due not only to the efforts of individuals but also to the fundamental cultural traditions that the people of Nghe An have diligently cultivated and passed down through generations. However, our province remains poor. The lives of many people are still fraught with difficulties and shortages. Besides objective reasons, subjective reasons are also significant. The awareness and spirit of contributing to the collective and the community among many people are still low.

In a world undergoing many changes and fluctuations, human perception cannot remain a constant but must adapt accordingly. That is why, in addition to preserving traditional values, we must absorb culture from other places, broadly from other countries and territories, and narrowly from neighboring provinces. Learning good things and effective methods, and then applying them creatively in our own locality, is the shortest path to success. The poet Huy Cận once summarized this: “Love for Nghe An is not quick/But once it takes root, it is deep/The longer one knows Nghe An/The deeper the love and the stronger the bond…” These verses reflect a part of the character of the people of Nghe An, including their caution or even a slight apprehension (?) to the point of being “different.” If one can overcome the boundaries of that “caution” and truly trust and love, then “unwavering loyalty” will prevail, generation after generation, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. These factors need to be further promoted in the new era with greater determination and effort from each individual and in each field…

What is particularly special is that the soul and essence of Nghe An's cultural identity are embodied in the smooth, captivating folk songs of the "vi" and "giam" genres, which have now become a "Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." These melodious and enchanting folk songs are no longer confined, as the late Associate Professor Ninh Viet Giao once concluded: "...for a long time, most of these folk songs were cherished and preserved within the bamboo hedges of all the villages... The people held them firmly, refining them day by day, making them shine like pearls, reflecting in them, seeing their own souls, feelings, thoughts, and intellect." The "Nghe An essence," the character and cultural identity of Nghe An, has truly spread and blended into the flow of world culture. Therefore, the people of Nghe An understand better than anyone else the honor and responsibility they have in preserving and spreading their homeland's culture. Aware of this, we need to actively address shortcomings, promote existing strengths, and widely publicize the image of Nghe An's countryside and people, so that the saying "folk songs are in our blood" can "revive the soul of our homeland"...

Hieu Nguyen