Bắc Ninh
Bac Ninh: “Living human treasures” keep tradition alive
BAC NINH - In the field of intangible cultural heritage, the quiet dedication of artisans serves as a strong bridge between tradition and the present, the past and the future. Each artisan is like a "flame" persistently preserving the nation's cultural lifeblood. Thanks to them, many heritages have been protected and allowed to shine.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the province currently has 246 artisans, including 15 People’s Artisans, 80 Meritorious Artisans, and 151 other artisans honoured by both the province and central government across various forms of traditional folk art.
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Meritorious Artisan Luc Van Tich teaches students how to play the Tinh lute. |
With talent, dedication and perseverance, generations of artisans have continuously protected, practiced, and passed on the invaluable legacies of their ancestors, inspiring younger generations to continue and enrich the cultural identity of their homeland.
A standout representative of the soul and essence of the people of Bac Ninh–Kinh Bac is the cultural heritage of Quan ho (love duet) folk singing.
The vitality of Quan ho today stems not only from community efforts, but more importantly from the dedication of generations of artisans who have carefully preserved every melody, lyric, and gesture of refinement to safeguard and weave together the cultural treasures of their land.
These artisans are not only passionate and knowledgeable about the heritage, but are also tireless in passing it down to prevent it from fading away.
People’s Artisan Nguyen Thi Quynh (Kim Quynh), who has spent over 30 years with the Duong Xa Quan họ Club (Kinh Bac ward), shared: “The elders used to say that Quan ho has no age. Each generation passes it on to the next, which is how it continues endlessly. We came to Quan ho out of love and passion, practicing to preserve the heritage, not for titles or rewards. Still, when we were conferred the title of Artisan and began receiving monthly support from the province, we were deeply touched and proud. That made us even more aware of our responsibility to wholeheartedly pass the heritage on to future generations.”
Following the administrative merger with Bac Giang province to form the new Bac Ninh province, its geographic and cultural landscape has expanded to include more than 20 ethnic groups living together.
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People’s Artisan Nguyen Thi Quynh instructs a female Quan họ singer on how to prepare betel quid. |
Each group contributes its own customs, traditional clothing, cuisine, and spiritual practices, forming a rich and colourful cultural tapestry.
Bac Ninh is a pioneer province in Vietnam in implementing policies to confer honorary titles and provide monthly support to artisans in heritage fields recognised by UNESCO, such as Quan ho folk singing, Ca tru singing, and the Practice of the Worship of the Mother Goddess of the Three Realms.
These policies not only offer practical support, allowing artisans to focus on their craft with peace of mind, but also reflect a forward-thinking vision and profound respect for the talent and devotion of those who have dedicated their lives to preserving heritage – individuals honoured by their communities as “living human treasures.”
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