The game is played with a set of cards that are decorated with beautiful paintings of Vietnamese culture and history. Players sing songs about the images on the cards, and the game is accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music.
Bai Choi singing is a complex and challenging art form that requires singers to have a deep knowledge of Vietnamese culture and history. The songs are often improvised, and singers must be able to think quickly and creatively.
Bai Choi singing is not just a game; it is also a way for people to learn about Vietnamese culture and history. The songs often tell stories about Vietnamese myths and legends, and they also teach about Vietnamese values and traditions.
Bai Choi singing is performed at festivals and other special occasions throughout Central Vietnam. Besides, it is also popular on Vietnamese television and radio.
History
The history of The Art of Bai Choi Singing in Central Vietnam dates back to the 17th century. It originated in the agricultural provinces in central Vietnam, where farmers played it as a way to entertain themselves during their breaks. The game quickly spread to whole provinces in Central Vietnam, and it became a popular folk art form.
Bai Choi singing was originally played with a set of 52 cards, but it was later adapted to use a set of 30 cards. The cards are decorated with beautiful paintings of Vietnamese culture and history. The images on the cards are used as inspiration for the songs that are sung during the game.
Bai Choi singing became increasingly popular during the 19th century. It was often performed at festivals and other special occasions. Bai Choi singing also became popular in the royal courts of Central Vietnam.
In the early 20th century, Bai Choi singing began to decline in popularity. This was due to a number of factors, including the French colonial government’s suppression of Vietnamese culture and the introduction of new forms of entertainment, such as radio and film.
However, Bai Choi singing experienced a revival after Vietnam gained independence in 1945. The Vietnamese government recognized the importance of Bai Choi singing as a part of Vietnamese culture, and it began to promote the art form.
Bai Choi festival
Every spring and Tet comes in every countryside of Vietnam, there are many unique games and festivals taking place imbued with national identity. In the Central region, Bai Choi Festival is held in a joyful and bustling atmosphere. People play cards at the beginning of spring to have fun and entertainment with their families and neighbors; both for good luck and fortune at the beginning of the year.
The Vietnamese custom of playing cards during Tet is one of the valuable community cultural activities that is not heavy on gambling. Through this game, people can hear meaningful songs about their homeland and country that have been passed down among the people. Besides, there are opportunities to meet and interact, and there are also lucky rewards to bring joy on the first day of spring. Bai choi is popular and is an indispensable spiritual dish for working people. In the game, everyone is absolutely equal, regardless of rich or poor, everyone can participate.
Unique features
Bai Choi chants have been passed down orally from generation to generation, reflecting the popular thinking and aesthetics of the agricultural residents of the Central region. Every Tet holiday or festival, people play Bai Choi not only for entertainment but also to listen to the folk-style singing of Bai Choi by Mr or Ms Hieu (Bai Choi performer). Some people only come to the game Bai Choi just because they love the performer’s singing voice and witty improvisational talent.
Bai Choi art has 3 different musical styles, typical for 3 Central regions
– Slow and simple: in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien – Hue
– Gentle, lyrical, and elegant: in Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai
– Dramatic: in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Khanh Hoa
Outstanding value
Bai Choi is an important form of culture and entertainment in village communities. The tragic and comedic content of Bai Choi reflects the human situation and criticizes bad habits, making the audience ponder or laugh heartily.
Bai Choi activities are an environment for practicing and creating art while helping to preserve folk art, performance styles, and cultural values of each region. The cultural and artistic elements of Bai Choi including poetry, music, painting, language, and customs.
They are conveyed naturally and simply, creating attraction for the audience and becoming an activity. Popular and essential cultural and spiritual activities of the people of the Central region.
By transmitting knowledge about folk culture through games and performances, Bai Choi is an important form of community activity with educational value for the young generation.
Preparing and organizing Bai Choi performances helps connect artists with the community. This is an opportunity for artists to exchange and learn about different performance styles. Community members have the opportunity to understand more about folk culture and share thoughts, feelings, knowledge, and life experiences with each other.
Conclusion
On December 7, 2023, the art of Bai Choi singing in central Vietnam was recognized by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This affirms the rich cultural identity of the Vietnamese ethnic community and community cohesion, promotes respect for cultural diversity, and encourages dialogue between individuals, communities, and peoples.
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