Preserving unique cultural heritage
According to cultural researcher Pham Minh Duc, Thai Binh has gone through thousands of years of history, leaving behind for future generations thousands of unique historical and cultural relics, such as communal houses, temples, shrines, pagodas and ancestral temples... Along with that, many famous folk performances, hundreds of traditional festivals and dozens of unique folk games and performances are still maintained to this day.
Mr. Pham Minh Duc said that currently, almost every village in Thai Binh has a traditional festival. Each commune usually has at least one festival, some communes have up to four festivals with all kinds of forms. These festivals not only recreate agricultural life but also honor national heroes, people who have contributed to the people and the country. In particular, January is the time when the most festivals take place, creating a joyful and bustling atmosphere for people and tourists.
Keo Pagoda Festival is one of the prominent festivals in early spring in Thai Binh, taking place in Duy Nhat commune, Vu Thu district. Right from the first days of the new year, Keo Pagoda has attracted a large number of tourists, but it is not until the spring festival on January 4 that the festival atmosphere is truly vibrant. Tourists not only come to admire the unique architecture of which very few ancient cultural works are still preserved, but also witness traditional rituals such as the opening ceremony, opening the door of the Holy Temple to commemorate the merits of Zen Master Khong Lo and especially participating in the fire-making competition that has become a typical cultural feature, indispensable in every spring festival.
A ritual in the Water Procession Ceremony at the Tran Temple Festival in Thai Binh (Tien Duc Commune, Hung Ha District, Thai Binh Province).
In addition to Keo Pagoda Festival, Thai Binh also organizes many other unique festivals, such as Tran Temple Festival, Tien La Temple Festival commemorating female general Vu Thi Thuc, Het Temple Festival worshiping general Pham Ngu Lao and Thuong Liet Village Festival with traditional dances. These festivals not only have cultural significance but are also an opportunity for people to exchange and connect.
Many traditional folk games
Besides festivals, Thai Binh also preserves many unique traditional folk games. These games are not only entertaining but also contain profound cultural values. Among them, we can mention the fish-making contest at Tran Temple Festival, the fire-making contest at Keo Pagoda Festival and the swimming festival on Diem Ho River.
The fish feast competition at the Tran Temple Festival recalls the Tran Dynasty’s humble days associated with rivers, while the “fire-pulling and rice-cooking” competition recreates the improvisation of the army and people in the resistance wars to protect the Fatherland. In addition, competitions such as making banh chung or clay firecrackers also contribute to preserving beautiful customs and demonstrating the martial spirit of the nation.
According to statistics, Thai Binh currently preserves more than 40 folk games, including games for children, competitions and fun games. These games are not only for entertainment but also connect the community, build a rich spiritual life and create a unique nuance for Thai Binh culture.
Unique wrestling festival at Het temple (Thai Thuong commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province).
The origin of ancient rowing
Thai Binh is famous as the cradle of ancient Cheo melodies. Most of the professional Cheo theaters and troupes in the country have the participation of Thai Binh artists. Many Cheo artists from here have been awarded noble titles such as People's Artist, Meritorious Artist.
Thai Binh Cheo Theater regularly preserves ancient Cheo plays and generations of artists, even though retired, still actively participate in teaching at Thai Binh College of Culture and Arts. This helps the quintessence of Thai Binh Cheo to continue to be preserved and promoted.
Not only professional artists, the love for the art of Cheo has also spread to many classes of people. Maintaining Cheo clubs in localities has attracted a large number of participants, from young people to the elderly.
In 2023, Thai Binh Cheo art was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. In 2024, the Cheo art dossier will be submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Cheo art is not only an art form but also a profound cultural symbol of the Thai Binh people.
Throughout thousands of years of formation and development, many other types of folk culture have also been preserved and promoted through generations of Thai Binh people. These contributions not only enrich the country's cultural heritage but also affirm the position of Thai Binh in preserving and promoting national cultural identity.
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