Keeping the Heritage Melodies Resonating Within the Young Generation

In the treasury of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Phu Tho Xoan Singing is often likened to the “sacred soul” of the earth and sky—a heartfelt confession of the people’s devotion to their national roots. From ancient communal houses to modern schools, the smooth and deep melodies of Xoan continue to flow silently, nurturing the souls of countless generations.

Introducing preschool children to Xoan singing is not merely about teaching an art form; it is a journey of nurturing character and national pride.

Over the past years, the conservation and promotion of Xoan singing have become a sustainable strategic mission for the province. No longer confined to the original Xoan guilds or traditional performance spaces, this cultural “specialty” has been proactively integrated into the school environment by the provincial Department of Education and Training. This is more than just teaching songs and dances; it is the process of “planting the seeds” of heritage in the hearts of the younger generation—those who will directly steer the vessel of national culture in the future.

Practice has shown that the implementation of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s Plan No. 35 regarding the preservation and promotion of Xoan singing has breathed new life into schools. In the “cradles” of the original heritage, such as Van Phu Ward (incorporating the former Kim Duc and Phuong Lau communes), the rhythmic beat of drums and clappers paired with the clear voices of children have become a familiar symphony.

The close collaboration between schools and master artisans has enabled students to access authentic ancient Xoan songs. Xoan performances are appearing more frequently in school art programs, transforming the heritage into a vivid, living entity rather than dry documents found in textbooks.

Xoan singing is promoted through various forms, attracting students to explore and participate.

The provincial Department of Education and Training has identified breakthrough steps to enhance the effectiveness of heritage education. The primary focus is the flexible integration of Xoan singing into formal curricula, experiential activities, and extracurricular programs. The establishment of Xoan and Phu Tho Folk Song Clubs within schools acts as an “extended arm,” bringing the heritage closer to the younger generation.

In the digital era, promoting heritage requires innovative formats. The Phu Tho education sector has directed units to produce video and image content for promotion on social media platforms such as Facebook and Zalo, as well as on school websites. Images of students in traditional costumes, rhythmically holding clappers and moving to the beat, have spread widely. This has created positive visual and auditory effects, awakening national pride in both students and parents.

The younger generation continues to write the next chapter of the Xoan Singing Heritage.

In tandem with these efforts, training a team of “fire-keepers” (passionate educators) is critically urgent. The collaboration between the Education and Training sector and the Culture, Sports, and Tourism sector in training primary and secondary school music teachers in the performance of ancient Xoan songs will help standardize teaching content. Simultaneously, communication efforts must be intensified so that every staff member, teacher, and parent understands that: Preserving Xoan singing, intertwined with the Hung Kings Worship, is synonymous with safeguarding our identity and roots.

Despite the challenges ahead, with the dedicated guidance of the province and the consensus of society, there is firm belief that Xoan melodies will transcend being mere ritual or festival songs performed at communal houses. The “young sprouts” in schools today are the ones who will continue to write the heritage’s story, ensuring that the Xoan drumbeat resonates forever across the Ancestral Land, and that the “soul” of the nation remains eternal through time.

Le Hoang