(HBO) - In the folk instrumental system of the Tay ethnic people, it is indispensable for Oi flute. The vibration of the Oi flute signals the sacred moment of heaven and earth, the transfer between the old and the new year. The melodious and passionate vibration of flute of the boys with their partners ... Every time when the flute vibrates, the old and the young, boys and girls, who are hand in hand, resound singing all over the area of Tay overnight and day.

Oi flute, an important instrument, is an indispensable instrument to accompany Tay songs of Tay ethnic people in Da Bac.

The musical notes have a radius fitting the son's finger so that he can flexibly use his fingers on the notes. To have the aesthetic the flute is painted blue or red. Tay ethnic people hang the flute on the kitchen counter to catch fire for the flute, making the sound of the flute as well as educating the younger generation to preserve and conserve the art of playing Oi flute in the community.

Oi flute is the main instrument, which is indispensable to accompany the songs throughout the area of Tay. However, Oi flute is only used during happy days, holidays, New Year, the sacred time transferring between the old and the new year. In particular, Oi flute is the sound calling the mates of the boys. In the tradition of Tay ethnic people, only boys are allowed to use Oi flute, girls are absolutely not allowed.

Today, there are many electronic musical instruments in modern life, but for Tay ethnic people, Oi flute still has a strong vitality. The artisans and the seniors have been preserving and teaching how to make Oi flute and how to use this kind of instrument for the young generation. The deep and passionate melodies from this traditional instrument have been conveying the message of love and happiness to the young generation.

Recently, the Party Committee and authorities of Da Bac district have always paid attention to the preservation and promotion of the national cultural identity. For Tay ethnic, Oi flute is an important instrument which is indispensable, however, the number of Tay ethnic people being able to use this instrument is not much. Therefore, the district regularly organizes mass competitions and art performances so that the artisans and the elderly people have the opportunity to perform Oi flute to the local people. In addition, with the desire that friends from inside and outside the province can enjoy the art of Oi flute, the district has invited the artisans to perform the art of Oi flute at the major cultural events of the province.

 


Related Topics


Hoa Binh’s cultural heritage: Muong Gongs, a timeless cultural treasure

Gongs hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the Muong ethnic people in Hoa Binh province. More than musical instruments, they are an indispensable part of community rituals and collective memory, echoing through generations as a spiritual thread linking the past, present, and future.

Preserving, promoting Muong cultural heritage: Upholding Muong culture into contemporary life

Preserving and promoting the cultural values of the Muong ethnic group has become an urgent task in the current context, as many traditional values face the risk of fading away. This effort requires not only protecting the cultural identity but also eliminating outdated customs and developing a modern cultural lifestyle, contributing to sustainable values for the Muong community in Hoa Binh province.

Preserving essence of Muong culture: tradition meets modernity

The Muong ethnic culture, deeply rooted in Vietnam’s mountainous north, continues to be preserved and revitalised by dedicated individuals and communities determined to safeguard their ancestral identity.

Preserving Muong community’s identity – Journey from tradition to modernity: Part 1 – Exploring Muong culture region

The Muong group is one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily found in Hoa Binh province. The Muong people in Hoa Binh boast a rich and diverse cultural treasure that reflects the unique identity of this ethnic group. Accounting for over 63% of the province's population, they have created and preserved numerous distinctive cultural values, contributing to their unique identity. Their cultural heritage is an invaluable asset, at the heart of their national identity, and represents a vibrant spiritual life that must be preserved and promoted in today’s modern world.

Traditional festivals of Hoa Binh: A rich cultural heritage

For generations, the ethnic communities of Hoa Binh province, particularly the Muong people, have preserved vibrant festivals deeply intertwined with the region’s geography, nature, and social traditions. These celebrations enrich Hoa Binh’s spiritual life and cultural identity, reflecting both folk beliefs and the intermingling of ethnic customs. Many of these festivals have endured the test of time, passed down through generations and continuing to thrive today. Among them, the Khai Ha (Going Down to the Field) festival stands out as one of the most significant events of the Muong ethnic group.

Muong calendar – National intangible cultural heritage

Muong calendar, known as sach doi, is an ancient folk knowledge system developed through observations of the movement of the pleiades star. This unique calendar consists of 12 bamboo sticks, each representing a lunar month. Specific days within each month are marked with distinct symbols, guiding locals in determining auspicious and inauspicious days for important activities.