Unique cultural imprint of Bai Choi of Quang
Bai Choi is a folk game, the way of playing is like Southern bingo, but it is held in huts built of bamboo, with a combination of singing performances. Bai Choi singing is a type of folk art performance performed by artisans and singing verses in rhythm combined with sound melodies created from ethnic musical instruments to attract listeners.
Although not the cradle of Bai Choi, Hoi An has made its own mark, depicting and boldly imprinting local culture into this folk art. The verses of Bai Choi with a typical rustic and sketchy Quang accent were responded to by the artisans in a witty way, creating a lively atmosphere. In addition, the space of the Bai Choi hut of Quang is decorated with colorful lanterns with all shapes to create an unmistakable ancient and cozy look.
Photo: Labor Newspaper
The content of Quang songs, in addition to spreading traditional moral values, is still encouraged to be more creative to keep up with the spirit of the times. The melody of the song also uses flexibly between the classic melody, the lyrics, the Spring Nu dance, and the physical. In which, the Spring Nu dance is dominated by the six-bowl poetry, but the six-octane poetry,...
Experience a hut festival in Hoi An, Quang Nam
Bai Choi in many places is often held on holidays and Tet at community activities. Particularly for Hoi An ancient town, this activity takes place every night to bring local culture closer to visitors. At 19:00, at the intersection of Bach Dang and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets, folk songs on the background of an ensemble of ethnic musical instruments including storks, trumpets, and drums stirred the bustling atmosphere like Tet in the heart of Hoi Hoi Street.
Coming to the Bai Choi Festival, besides experiencing the traditional culture, visitors can also try their luck with the cards that are chanted. To participate, players buy a card for 20,000 VND. On each card, there are 3 non-identical cards printed on rough, thin do paper with unique names and simulated images.
Photo: kiendo.29
When all the cards are issued, the Hieu brothers and sisters in the central hut will let the game start. One by one, Mr. and Mrs. Hieu took out from the bamboo pipe each tattoo to know the name of the card they would shout. The couplets are sung by the artisan with a strange but familiar folk rhythm that always begins with:
"Listen quietly, listen quietly, I shouted the card, what song is it out here..."
The name of the card will be revealed at the end of each recital. If it coincides with the card on the card, the player taps or gestures to be dealt a flag.
In order to add to the drama of the last minutes, the artist sings Bai Choi suddenly transforms in the couplet, making players experience all kinds of emotions. Going from suspense to momentarily disappointed and finally bursting with joy because his card has the card to be shouted. After meeting 3 cards, or three flags, the player shouted to signal to the organizers. The lucky winner was given a lantern to take home as a souvenir.
The special location of Bai Choi for the people of Quang Nam in particular and domestic and foreign tourists in general
Bai Choi Hoi An is a pride that has been preserved and promoted for many generations of Quang people. For many years, children from middle school here have been exposed to Bai Choi as an extracurricular activity. Every year, Hoi An also organizes a Bai Choi contest between communes and wards with the desire to connect the community and nurture people's love for this traditional cultural game.
Photo: hoianworldheritage
From the efforts of local people to preserve and promote, Bai Choi has contributed to creating a Hoi An imbued with local cultural identity in the eyes of tourists from all over the world. Therefore, traveling to Hoi An is not only to immerse yourself in the contemplative beauty of the houses with tiled roofs wearing ancient yellow shirts, or to enjoy specialty dishes, but also to play a hut card festival!
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