Preserving the Hmong flute

The vast, majestic mountains and forests are made even more poetic and serene by the melodious, resonant sounds of the Hmong men's flutes. Their hands grip the flutes tightly, their mouths blowing out sounds that echo the vast wilderness, their feet turning and dancing to the rhythm. These are the images that leave a lasting impression on visitors to Ta So village, Chieng Coi commune, Moc Chau district, Son La province. Without needing many words, simply listening to the flute music and watching the young men in their traditional Hmong costumes dancing is enough to feel the soul and rich cultural identity of this Northwest highland region.

To master the Hmong flute dance that captivates so many girls, the young men of Ta So village must spend a long time learning to play the flute. Once they master the sound of their flute, they begin to coordinate the rhythm of their feet with the flute's melody. This process takes not days or months, but years. Playing the flute is difficult, but playing and dancing simultaneously is even more challenging. Besides harmoniously coordinating breath and footwork, they must also possess endurance and the ability to distribute their energy to ensure a consistent performance from beginning to end over a long period. Therefore, Hmong men who know how to play and dance the flute are not only talented and skillful, but also demonstrate strong vitality and a will to succeed. Through the sound of the flute and the dance, they convey and express their feelings to friends and the community, send messages to nature and the mountains, and create a unique cultural identity.

Huyen Trang - Hoang Thuyen