History Of Quan Ho Bac Ninh

Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk songs remain one of the most celebrated social customs widely practiced in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces of northern Vietnam. These unique musical traditions serve to strengthen the ties between villages and have a deep-rooted history, embodying a rich and beautiful part of Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Quan Ho – Folk Songs Born of Ancient Tales

Determining the exact origin of the term "Quan Ho" is complex, and it has been interpreted in various ways, reflecting the essence of this distinct element of Vietnamese culture.

A rare photo capturing the Lim Festival and Quan Ho Singing from the past

Some scholars suggest that Quan Ho derives from Royal Court music and is linked to an ancient tale in which a mandarin, while passing through Kinh Bắc (the ancient name for Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces), fell in love with the region's folk songs. In this context, "quan" meaning "mandarin" and "họ" meaning "stop," provides a literal interpretation of "Quan Ho." However, this hypothesis overlooks other crucial aspects related to cultural practices, including the forms of organization and the nuances of language and expression.

Another perspective posits that Quan Ho did not originate from Royal Court music but from the religious rituals associated with Linga-Yoni culture. By examining the lyrics and performance settings of these folk songs, some experts argue that "Quan Ho" may be a type of spoonerism derived from "quan hệ," meaning "relationship," signifying the romantic connections between folk singers in the Kinh Bắc area.

According to a report published in “Việt Báo” in 1940, the villages of Lũng Giang and Tam Sơn (now part of Từ Sơn) in Bac Ninh province are considered the birthplaces of Quan Ho. These two villages maintained a long-lasting friendship, leading to the tradition of a singing party on the 13th day of the first lunar month, where ten elders and a significant number of young singers from Lũng Giang would be invited to Tam Sơn. This event evolved into a musical dialogue, featuring alternating performances by a young man and woman from each village, and often lasting all night until dawn.

Historical Development

It was during the Ly dynasty (1009-1225) that "quan ho Bac Ninh" began to flourish and became the most prominent festival lasting up to two weeks. Although the capital was located in Thăng Long (present-day Hanoi), the Ly kings returned to Kinh Bắc each spring to celebrate these vibrant festivals.

Bac Ninh in the past

The largest "Quan Ho" festival, Hoi Lim, typically occurs during the first full moon of the lunar year at Lim hills or the Lim Pagoda park. Pilgrims from across the nation, dressed in their finest attire, gather to admire the beautiful blossoms, meet one another, and engage in spirited performances of "quan họ" songs.

In contemporary times, Quan Ho is not only a social activity among "liền anh" and "liền chị"—the male and female singers—but also symbolizes the connection between the performers and the audience. The folk songs celebrate human emotions and a love for the homeland. With a plethora of melodies documented and transcribed into musical scores, Quan Ho Bac Ninh was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009, further solidifying its importance in Vietnam's cultural landscape.