Enjoying the Spring with Trong Quan Songs

For a long time, the rustic and vibrant melodies of Trong Quan in Liem Thuan commune, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province, have become a unique symbol of the local people. It is not only a source of pride for the agricultural region but also an indispensable part of the community's spiritual life, especially during traditional festivals.
 

On the occasion of spring, we had the opportunity to visit Lau Chay village, Liem Thuan commune, to experience these melodies with the local Trong Quan singing club.
"When one returns to my hometown Liem Thuan,
Witnessing the flourishing seasons of rice.
Land consolidation, mechanization,
Farmers unite to modernize and reduce poverty."

These smooth Trong Quan melodies, though simple and rustic, lavishly praise the natural beauty of Liem Thuan. Composed by members of the Trong Quan singing club in Lau Chay village, these songs are dedicated to the traditional New Year festival of the nation. Local residents often refer to these melodies as "spiritual food," eagerly awaiting them during cultural and political events in the area.

According to the elders in Lau Chay village, the Trong Quan singing tradition has existed for generations and is closely related to the struggle against foreign invaders, leaving a deep mark in the history of Dai Viet. This tradition dates back to the time when the Tran kings chose Liem Thuan as a hiding place for military supplies. Soldiers of the Trần dynasty often guarded with drum songs, making it an essential part of the lives of the people in Liem Thuan.

In the vast fields, people often raise melodies to dispel fatigue and boredom. This singing is not only small gatherings among friends but has evolved into competitions between villages and hamlets in the commune. Gradually, Trong Quan melodies have become familiar and indispensable in the daily lives of the people in Liem Thuan.

The Liem Thuan Trong Quan singing club was established in 2005 in Chay village, attracting nearly 30 members, mostly women from the village and commune. They gather regularly to learn and exchange with other clubs, while maintaining and developing melodies to spread widely in the community. These songs are often composed in the form of hexameter poems, with content closely related to daily life, making them easy to remember and sing.

Nguyen Dinh Lau, a 77-year-old master artist, is one of the enthusiasts and passionate advocates of the Trong Quan art. He not only preserves and maintains traditions but also directly teaches and composes new songs for the club and local students. He hopes that the Trong Quan art of Liem Thuan will be officially recognized and taught in schools, contributing to the preservation and development of this art form in the community.

Trong Quan melodies are not only a source of pride for the people of Liem Thuan but also a part of the intangible cultural heritage of the region and the nation. They not only connect people with the history and culture of the country but also serve as an endless source of inspiration for future generations.
 
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