Phu Tho Xoan Singing: Unveiling Vietnam’s Ancient Ritual Singing

This video features a captivating Xoan singing performance held in Phu Tho, showcasing this unique and ancient Vietnamese folk art.

Hát Xoan Phú Thọ: Unveiling Vietnam’s Ancient Ritual Singing

                Deep in the ancestral land of Phú Thọ Province, the cradle of Vietnamese civilization, lies a profound and ancient musical art form known as Hát Xoan. More than just songs, Hát Xoan is a unique genre of ritual singing that intertwines music, dance, and poetry, passed down through generations. Its deep roots in the worship of the Hùng Kings and communal life make it a living treasure, recognized by UNESCO in 2011 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Need of Urgent Safeguarding (and later transferred to the Representative List in 2017, acknowledging successful revitalization efforts).

SPECIAL OUTLINE

Get an immediate grasp of our article’s core and structure through these key highlights:

• The ancient origins and ritualistic purpose of Xoan Singing, deeply connected to the Hùng Kings and communal spring festivals.
• Explore the unique structure and characteristics of a Xoan performance, detailing its three distinct parts: Lễ Nghi, Quả Cách, and Hát Giao Duyên.
• Discover the simple yet effective instrumentation and the roles of the Xoan troupes (phường Xoan) in bringing this art form to life.
• Uncover the profound cultural significance and successful preservation efforts that have revitalized Hát Xoan for new generations.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ANCIENT RHYTHMS AND SACRED RITUALS THAT MAKE PHÚ THỌ XOAN SINGING A SOUL-STIRRING ECHO OF VIETNAM’S SPIRITUAL HERITAGE!

Now, let’s explore the captivating world and enduring legacy of Phú Thọ Xoan Singing – a living treasure of Vietnamese culture!

1. A Song of Ancestors and Community

Hát Xoan is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago during the era of the Hùng Kings, Vietnam’s mythical founders. It was traditionally performed in communal houses (đình), temples (miếu), and sacred sites during the spring festival season, especially around the annual Hùng Kings’ Commemoration Day. The performances served multiple purposes: expressing wishes for good harvests, health, good fortune, and honoring the community’s ancestors and tutelary gods.

The art form is performed by “phường Xoan” (Xoan troupes), typically comprising male lead singers (kép) and female dancers/singers (đào). These troupes are often formed by people from the same village or extended family, reinforcing the strong communal aspect of Hát Xoan. The ông Trùm (troupe leader) is a highly respected figure, responsible for preserving the tradition and teaching new generations.

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2. The Structure of a Xoan Performance

A Hát Xoan performance is meticulously structured, unfolding through a series of distinct parts:

1. Lễ Nghi (Ritual Part): This opening section comprises formal, ritualistic songs and dances. These are solemn hymns and invocations, expressing gratitude to the gods and praying for peace, prosperity, and good weather. These songs often feature ancient, archaic lyrics and a chanting style.
2. Quả Cách (Performance Part): Following the ritualistic section, the atmosphere becomes more lively. This part features a variety of songs and dances that depict aspects of daily life, legends, and humorous situations. The đào (female dancers) perform graceful movements that symbolize different activities like farming, fishing, or courtship. The kép (male singers) often provide the lead vocals and percussion.
3. Hát Giao Duyên (Love Duet/Interacting Songs): This interactive segment involves exchanges between the singers and sometimes the audience, often with witty lyrical battles or playful flirtations, adding a dynamic and engaging element to the performance.

The music of Hát Xoan is primarily vocal, accompanied by a small ensemble of percussion instruments, most notably the drum and clappers (phách tre – bamboo clappers). The simplicity of the instrumentation allows the intricate vocal melodies and rhythmic precision to take center stage, creating a hauntingly beautiful and evocative soundscape.

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3. A Heritage Reborn: Preservation and Revival

In the late 20th century, Hát Xoan faced the risk of extinction due to various social and economic changes. However, intense dedication from remaining artists, local communities, and the Vietnamese government, especially after the UNESCO recognition, sparked a remarkable revival. Efforts focused on:

• Training new generations: Establishing Xoan clubs and classes to teach the ancient songs and dances to young people.
• Documenting and preserving: Recording performances, lyrics, and musical scores.
• Promoting awareness: Organizing festivals, performances, and educational programs to raise the profile of Hát Xoan.
• Integrating with tourism: Developing “Ancient Village Xoan Singing” tours that allow visitors to experience performances in their traditional settings.

These initiatives have been incredibly successful, breathing new life into Hát Xoan and ensuring its continuity for future generations.

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4. Where to Experience Hát Xoan in Phú Thọ:

To truly appreciate the authenticity and spiritual depth of Hát Xoan, visiting its birthplace in Phú Thọ Province is ideal. You can often witness performances in the communal houses of the four ancient Xoan villages (Tứ Xã phường Xoan) that form the heart of this tradition:

• Lãi Lèn Temple (Miếu Lãi Lèn), Kim Đức Commune, Việt Trì City: Considered the birthplace of Hát Xoan.
• Đình Hùng Lô (Hùng Lô Communal House), Hùng Lô Commune, Việt Trì City: A beautiful and historic communal house where Xoan performances are frequently held, especially during festivals.

Many tours, particularly those around the Hùng Kings’ Commemoration Day (Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương) in the third lunar month, include opportunities to experience Hát Xoan. These performances offer a unique and immersive cultural experience, allowing you to connect with the very essence of Vietnamese heritage.

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