In Dong Mon village, Hoa Binh commune, Thuy Nguyen district, Hai Phong city, for over two centuries, the sounds of dan day (three-string lute), phach (bamboo clappers), and the soulful voice of ca tru singing have resonated through the community, linking generations and keeping alive a unique form of traditional Vietnamese art. Dong Mon Ca Tru is more than a musical genre – it is a source of pride, a cultural identity, and a spiritual thread woven into the fabric of local life.
The Cradle of Ca Tru in the Northern Coastal Region
Ca tru came to Dong Mon in the early 19th century, thanks to To Tien Trong, a talented kép đàn (lute player) and head of the Kinh Mon music guild in Hai Duong, part of the Bac Thach music association in Bac Ninh. With great vision and dedication, To Tien Trong sought permission to introduce Ca tru to Dong Mon and carried with him two sacred statues representing the founders of the art: Dinh Du Thanh Xa Dai Vuong and Man Duong Hoa Princess, along with royal decrees. He established the Dong Mon temple as a regional shrine to honor the ancestors of Ca tru.
To Tien Trong not only brought Ca tru to the village but also passionately taught it to his relatives and members of various local families. Thanks to his efforts, Dong Mon transformed into a vibrant ca tru hub for the entire northern coastal region, where generations of talented artists—both male instrumentalists and female vocalists—nurtured and developed the art.
A Profession Rooted in Melody and Tradition
During the golden years of Ca tru in Dong Mon, particularly from 1940 to 1945, many families in the village earned a living from this art form. Children grew up learning the songs and instruments from their elders, becoming skilled ca nương (female vocalists) and kép đàn.
Local guilds and troupes traveled beyond the village to perform in various provinces, including Hanoi, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, and Quang Ninh. Ca tru became both a livelihood and a cultural ambassador, spreading the spirit and refinement of Dong Mon's people far and wide.
However, war and historical upheavals interrupted this cultural flow. As the nation mobilized for defense and rebuilding, Dong Mon villagers, like many across the country, temporarily set aside their artistic pursuits to fight for the country’s independence and produce for the living. Ca tru fell into decline, and its melodies became fainter with time.
Reviving a Precious Cultural Heritage
Fearing the loss of a valuable tradition, Dong Mon residents took the initiative to preserve and revive ca tru. In 1993, with the support of local authorities, the Dong Mon Ca Tru Club was officially established. Key contributors included artisan singer To Thi Che, lute player To Van Nghi, and a dedicated group of villagers passionate about their musical heritage.
In its early days, the club faced many challenges, including a shortage of trained performers. To maintain its activities, the club mobilized members of the local male and female ceremonial troupes from the village temple to participate. Despite these limitations, the club’s founders persevered, driven by a deep love for the art. Like silkworms silently spinning threads, they quietly kept the tradition alive, preserving each song, rhythm, and technique to pass down to future generations.
A Sophisticated Art for Discerning Ears
Ca tru is often described as one of Vietnam's most refined and intellectually demanding musical genres. It requires both skillful performers and discerning listeners – singers must possess technical mastery and cultural knowledge, while audiences must have an educated appreciation to fully grasp its subtleties.
This dual demand makes preserving ca tru no easy task. Yet in Dong Mon, the community’s unwavering commitment has led to a remarkable cultural revival. Today, the village proudly boasts the distinction of being one of the few places in Hai Phong where schoolchildren learn and perform ca tru, guided by master artists from their own community.
Embedded in Blood and Spirit
The people of Dong Mon often liken themselves to silkworms, patiently and quietly spinning threads from within—an image that captures their devoted efforts to preserve and nurture every verse and melody left behind by their ancestors.
For over two centuries, ca tru has endured not simply because it is beautiful, but because it has become part of the villagers’ identity, embedded in their way of thinking, aesthetics, and daily life. It has shaped personalities, cultivated sensitivity, and enriched the spiritual life of the community.
Pride and Continuity
Today, Dong Mon villagers are justly proud of their achievements in keeping Ca tru alive. The sounds of dan day and phach once again echo during club gatherings and village festivals. The tradition is no longer just a relic of the past, but a living, evolving art form, carried forward by the young, taught by the old, and cherished by the whole village.
The revival of Ca tru in Dong Mon is not only a cultural triumph for the local community but also a valuable contribution to Vietnam’s national heritage. It shows that when tradition is treasured and nurtured, it will never truly disappear.