Lullabies – a cherished part of Tay ethnic group in Bac Kan

A mother sings lullabies to her baby. (Photo: backan.gov.vn)

Bac Kan (VNA) – Lullaby is a folk art form, a genre of traditional folk songs, and a unique folk music phenomenon in Vietnamese folklore.

Lullaby contains cultural values, creating a cultural space and contributing to forming and nurturing the personality, soul, and behaviour of babies.

All 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam have their beautiful lullaby.

Among them, the Tay ethnic group in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam in general and the Tay ethnic community in Giao Hieu commune, Pac Nam district, Bac Kan province in particular still retain many lullabies with unique melody and lyrics, which help reflect the rich cultural and spiritual life of the people.

The lullabies not only help children sleep soundly, but are also a symbol of love and affection between mothers, siblings, grandmothers, and their children.

Lullabies are sung both indoors and outdoors, during daily activities such as working in the fields and harvesting crops. The sweet melodies have been passed down from generation to generation, with women often leading the way.

The soft and soothing tones have a profound impact on the souls of young children, creating a deep bond between them and their families.

The songs are usually about daily life, reflecting adults’ love and care for their children.

In the Tay villages, it’s common to see not only mothers but also grandmothers, aunts, and sisters lulling children. Not only women, but Tay men also know how to sing lullabies.

In Tay people’s life, lullabies are sung anywhere, from indoor to outdoor spaces.

Together with the voice of chickens, ducks, and dogs in the yard, the sound of the cradle creaking and the gentle lullaby singing are combined to create a symphony of life, nurturing young souls.

“Dear baby, sleep well! Sleep soundly and wait for me to get melon. Wait for me to catch birds."

The Tay lullaby also reflects the working and productive life of the Tay people:

"I get seven birds. One goes to wash diapers. One goes to dye the thread/One goes to make fire. One goes around roaming around. One drives the cows into the barn. One learns lessons. One moves crib for baby to sleep.”

Hoang Thi My (first, from right), of Coc Lao village, Giao Hieu commune teaches her children the art of lullaby. (Photo: backan.gov.vn)

The lyrics reflected the fact that in the past, Tay families often had many children and grandchildren, so each child had to take on one job.

The ancient lullabies of the Tay people are very subtle, witty, suitable for children's thinking.

Children grew up on their mother's back and a lullaby was like the milk that nourishes the children’s soul, sowing good seeds in their minds.

The lullabies of the Tay people in Bac Kan have been passed down orally. Children listen to them a lot and then absorb and memorise. A generation sings lullabies to the next generation.

Originating from a mother's need to coax her child to sleep, at first it was just a chant without words, which was then developed into complete verses and songs.

The elderly members of the Tay ethnic minority group are working hard to preserve and pass on this rich cultural heritage to the younger generation.

In addition to the efforts of passionate individuals within the community, Bac Kan’s cultural sector has also taken action by submitting a dossier to have the Tay ethnic minority’s lullabies recognised as a provincial cultural heritage./.