fate with the cat and lion
For the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, lion and cat dance is an indispensable part of the festival and Tet holiday. The healthy, martial arts-rich dance is both entertaining and shows the spirit of a martial arts fighting spirit and the desire for a prosperous and happy life. People believe that at the beginning of the new year, if a team of lions and cats comes to the dance hall, it will bring peace and ward off evil.
Living in Dong Kinh ward, Lang Son province, artisan Hoang Choong (Tay ethnic group) said that his passion for lion and cat dance came to him from a young age when he was accompanied by village elders to attend the festival.
That day, I was fascinated by the bustling sound of drums, the bustling sound of gongs and especially the majesty of the lions and cats. Growing up, I was able to join the dance team, then gradually learned how to shape a lion's head from Mr. Nong Xuan Quyen - a famous artisan in the area. Since then, the profession has been associated with my life like an endless fate" - he recalled.
After retiring in 2002, Mr. Choong devoted all his time to researching and creating lion and cat heads. For him, this is not only a handmade product, but also a way to pass on the heritage to his children and grandchildren, preserving a part of the soul of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
According to the artist, to make a standard cat lion, it takes more than a week.
First of all, he chose rough soil, white clay taken from the riverbed and streams. Then puree, strain, steep until the bran is sticky before melting. The cube is meticulously crafted, from sharp eyes, a wide mouth, three stout horns, and a long, fierce edge beard. When the soil is dry, apply the reed paper, then paint and paint many bright colors. Finally, he attached fabric, fur, and cotton to create grace.
The most difficult thing is not to make a cat head, but to breathe life into it. Each child must have their own charisma, be strong but also approachable, so that when dancing, the audience feels lucky and happy" - Mr. Choong shared.
Heritage in the heart of the community Ms. Nong Thi Phuong, Hoang Van Thu commune, shared: "Every Tet, my family invites the lion and cat dance team to perform.
The bustling atmosphere makes everyone feel excited and happy.That is a unique cultural feature that I hope my children and grandchildren will still keep in the future.
According to statistics from the Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism of the province, the whole province currently has nearly 100 cat and lion dance teams with about 1,000 members, including more than 700 practicing artisans, 130 artisans with the ability to teach, and about 60 artisans making lion heads.
Sharing with PV, Mr. Nguyen Dang An - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lang Son province - said: "Cats and lions dance is a unique art form, reflecting the biological and worldview of the Tay and Nung people. The province has approved and implemented the Project to preserve and promote the value of the Tay - Nung lion dance for the period 2021 - 2030. In particular, focus on opening teaching classes, restoring dances, and including dances in cultural and tourism events for more widespread promotion".
According to Mr. An, from 2021 to now, nearly 30 classes on cat and lion dance have been organized, attracting about 200 students, of which 40% are teenagers.
"We want the young generation to become the subject of heritage, so that the lion and cat dance not only lives in memories but is present vividly in today's life" - Mr. An emphasized.
Today's cat and lion dance is not only a performance in the festival, but has become a cultural symbol of Lang Son province, contributing to enriching spiritual life and is a unique tourism product, attracting tourists. In each dance step and drum beat, the Tay and Nung communities conveyed their aspirations for peace and prosperity - the eternal aspiration of people in the border area.
