Thai ethnic artisans preserve the traditional dance.

Further upstream along the Con River, we met Mrs. Huong again in Bong village, Thanh Binh Tho commune. It was a joy to meet the artisan in the place where she was born, raised, and has lived her entire life. And here, this Thai ethnic woman receives and cherishes the folk songs passed down through generations, preserving them for future generations.

That day, she sang the song "The Transformation of Bong Village," recounting the journey of progress from years of hardship and difficulty, guided by the light of the Party, so that the people of Bong village no longer suffered from hunger, their houses were more spacious, and everyone shared in the joy of the song…

"She started learning to sing when she was less than 10 years old. As she grew up, she got married, had children, and faced a hard and difficult life, but she never forgot the folk songs. In her old age, when she no longer had the strength to go to the fields to plant corn or harvest rice, she sat and taught singing to her children and grandchildren," shared artisan Lo Thi Huong.

From the moment she was born, Lo Thi Huong was lulled to sleep by her mother and grandmother singing Thai folk songs (khap, lam, nhuon, xuoi), with the khap melody being the most frequently used. As she grew up and began weaving her first pieces of cloth at the loom, Lo Thi Huong was taught these traditional songs. These songs dispelled her fatigue, added enthusiasm to her work, and made the passage of time seem faster.

As Lo Thi Huong entered her youth, she was always present at celebrations such as the new rice harvest festival, the harvest prayer festival, or weddings, contributing to the festivities with her singing. Lo Thi Huong's singing made the celebrations even more joyful. In the past, people in Bong village used to say that if Huong sang at a wedding to offer congratulations, the couple would surely have a happy life together.

With her beautiful singing voice and diligent work at the loom and in the fields, Lo Thi Huong attracted the attention of many young men in her village and even from other villages. And the happy day arrived: Lo Thi Huong accepted the marriage proposal of Lo Van Thang, from the same village, one of those who had pursued her since her teenage years.

Like many other families in Bong village, Mrs. Lo Thi Huong and her husband endured years of hardship and poverty, sometimes facing prolonged hunger, constantly struggling to make a living and raise their children. But one thing remained constant: despite the difficulties and poverty, Mrs. Huong never abandoned her loving singing. It flowed in her veins, permeated her being, and became an integral part of her life.

That Thai woman sang lullabies to her children, her voice echoing across the fields, across the plains, and along the banks of the Con River. And even during village festivals, her voice grew richer, more poignant, and more refined with time and years.

Not only does she sing traditional songs, but Ms. Lo Thi Huong can also compose new lyrics to suit the circumstances of each celebration. More and more women and children in the village come to her house to listen to her sing and learn the "secrets" of the folk melodies.

More than 10 years ago, Ms. Huong was awarded the title of Outstanding Artisan by the state. On the day she received the title, the entire village came to her house to congratulate her. People said that this joy was not only for the village of Bong but also a shared joy for the entire Thai community.

Because the "khắp" melody is a shared asset in the musical heritage of the Thai ethnic group, Ms. Huong is the one who contributed to making this melody resonate far and wide. Hearing that there was a skilled "khắp" singer in Bong village, who had been awarded the title of folk artist, Thai people from all over came to learn to sing. Initially, it was people from Mau Thach and Tien Dong, but later people from Quy Hop and Tuong Duong also came. Ms. Huong happily accepted and enthusiastically taught, arranging food and lodging for those from afar for several weeks.

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Over the years, artisan Lo Thi Huong has made many contributions to the local cultural and artistic movement and helped preserve the cultural identity of the Thai ethnic group. We hope she maintains her health so that she can continue to sing the traditional songs at celebrations and pass them on to the younger generation, ensuring that these songs remain a part of the Thai community's life."

Ms. Ngo Thi Huyen - Chairperson of the People's Committee of Thanh Binh Tho Commune