Reviving San Diu Ethnic Group's cultural values

San Diu ethnic group in Tien Yen District does not take the majority of population like ethnic groups of Dao, Tay, or San Chi people. There are just 2,000 households of San Diu people, mainly in communes of Hai Lang, Dong Hai, and Dong Ngu. However, they have a long-standing cultural values, including “soong co” rhythm which has been preserved by local authority and people. 

“Soong co” item was performed at Hoang Can Temple Festival, 2018

In Nov 2018, for the first time, Tien Yen District organized Hoang Can Temple Festival and San Diu Ethnic People’s Culture and Sport Day. Apart from the ritual part held at the temple worshiping Hoang Can Tutelary God, the festitive part featured cultural and sporting activities, namely tug of war, pole pushing, walking on stilts, beating pots while blindfolded, catching ducks while blindfolded, “soong co” performances… In addition, there was a culinary competition showing San Diu ethnic people’s traditional cuisine. For instance, making “bac dau” cakes, long glutinous-rice cake…This was the first time such festival had been organized just for San Diu ethnic people, in which “soong co” rhythm was honored.

Cuisine competitions have been given special concern by Tien Yen District

San Diu ethnic people enjoy various festivals within a year, namely Cold Foods Festival, Mid-year Festival, Ghost Festival, Winter Solstice Festival. However, Dai Phan Festival is the most longest and exciting ones. During the festival, locals sing “soong co” happily.

On Oct 8th, Soong Co Singing Club debuted in Hai Lang Commune, where more than 1,000 households of San Diu ethnic people live. The 30-member club aims to create favorable conditions for the ethnic people to preserve and develop their traditional cultural values. After the debut, the club works 3 times a week. It plans to open training courses for young generation. Besides, it will work with similar clubs in Van Yen Commune (Van Don District) and Dinh Lap District (Lang Son Province) where “soong co” singing develops well to organize exchange programs.

“Soong co” singing is not limited by time and space. San Diu ethnic people sing “soong co” when they are happy, even when they are on a banks of a spring, in a dried field, or carrying their babies on their backs…At that time, the babies in mother’s womb and in their childhood are immersed in their mothers’ “soong co” lullaby. Males and females of different villages sing “soong co” under bright moon light to show their affection via lyrics.

Translated by Quynh Trang