Quang Ninh’s folk verses and traditional songs are rich and distinctive, shaped by the diverse cultural traditions of local ethnic communities and the culture of miners and maritime communities. Among them, love duet singing is considered one of the most representative genres in the treasury of Quang Ninh’s coastal folk heritage.
Love duet singing at sea is a form of folk performance that reflects the distinctive cultural life of Ha Long’s fishing communities. It has long been an integral part of their spiritual life, particularly during festivals. The performance space is open and wide, taking place on the sea between boats, with melodies that are gentle and
The lyrics of these songs are generally rich in content, reflecting a wealth of folk knowledge as well as the customs, practices and festivals of riverine and coastal communities. The emotional nuances of the verses are also diverse, expressing many shades of feeling. Through song, performers seem to confide their hearts to the vast sea, singing to make friends and sometimes to seek life partners.
A typical singing exchange often begins between two boats before gradually expanding into groups of boats, usually divided into male and female sides. The performance traditionally opens with greetings and polite, humble words of introduction. This is followed by exchanges in which the singers learn about one another, seeking companions who share a sincere wish to form friendships or life parnerships.
The next stage usually involves a test of singing skills through question-and-answer songs, covering a wide range of knowledge from astronomy and geography to nature, literature and classical references. After this exchange of witty and challenging verses, young men and women gradually come closer. When hands in hands, they may exchange personal items such as scarves or hats as tokens of love. The performance concludes with farewell songs as the participants part ways, often filled with emotion. However, the farewell may also carry a sense of regret, as circumstances do not always allow the pair to become husband and wife.
Closely associated with the maritime occupation and the seascape, love duet singing has become a distinctive form of community cultural activity in the coastal areas of Quang Ninh, where performances traditionally take place on small bamboo boats. In the past, fishing communities would use these songs to greet one another or exchange playful riddles, helping ease the fatigue of long hours at sea.
For many years, this form of folk singing has left a strong impression on visitors to Ha Long Bay. This March, love duet singing on the bay is scheduled to be officially revived in the Cua Van fishing village area after a temporary suspension for review and preparation of organisational conditions.
By Pham Hoc
