Passionate about Bru-Van Kieu culture
In the traditional costume of the Bru-Van Kieu people, old man Ho Ai (80 years old) appears as a sacred image associated with the culture and the Truong Son mountain range. Under his dark skin and gray hair covered with the marks of time, he is not only a respected village elder, but also a keeper of the soul of nature and national identity.
Mr. Ho Ai lived almost his entire life in Khe Cat village (Truong Son commune, Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh province), under the shade of the deep green forest. With the Kho-lui flute in his hand, he not only connected people and nature but also served as a bridge between the past and the present.
Traditional rituals are an integral part of the Bru-Van Kieu people’s lives. During the harvest ceremony, elder Ho Ai raises his arms in prayer before an altar carefully arranged with offerings such as pigs, chickens, and sticky rice. The prayer in the Bru language expresses his respect and hope that the gods will protect and bless him with good fortune.
The ceremony of sowing raw rice seeds to predict the will of the gods is a special ritual, full of mystery and sacredness. The ceremony ends with joyful dances, harmonious melodies of gongs and solidarity of the community.
Old Ho Ai, with his familiar Kho-lui flute, has carved in the hearts of many listeners rich melodies conveying the soul of the great forest. The sound of his flute seems to ignite stories, sometimes soft like a stream, sometimes fierce like a flood.
During the moments by the jar of rice wine, the old man sang traditional songs to tell stories about the history, culture, farming practices and other memories of the Bru-Van Kieu people.
Besides, old man Ho Ai is also the one who preserves and passes on the way of making objects that the people carry with them such as backpacks, baskets, etc.
“These items are souvenirs that are closely associated with each Bru-Van Kieu person. These are everyday items, closely associated with people’s lives. The items are often made from rattan or bamboo, then woven. I am also teaching the weaving method to the younger generation, helping them learn more about the traditions of their people,” shared elder Ho Ai.
Continued development
Among the Bru-Van Kieu elders, elder Ho Ai is considered the most talented representative and preserver of traditional cultural heritage. From musical instruments such as flutes to traditional songs such as the Sinot, he contributed to the uniqueness of Bru-Van Kieu culture.
His active participation in folk festivals and traditional culture classes for the younger generation is a clear demonstration of his dedication. Recently, he and other artisans representing Quang Binh province introduced the cultural characteristics of the Bru-Van Kieu people to friends near and far.
"I hope that the young Bru-Van Kieu people will always preserve their cultural identity. Not only preserving the songs and rituals, but also preserving the cultural artifacts of the people" - old man Ho Ai confided.
Chairman of Truong Son Commune People's Committee Hoang Trong Duc said that village elder Ho Ai is a very special person among the Bru-Van Kieu people.
Elder Ho Ai is a pioneer in restoring the Bru-Van Kieu culture. Elder Ho Ai has passed on cultural values to the next generations.
