Aday singing was introduced to Hau Giang province along with the land reclamation of the Khmer people. This art form was recorded to have appeared in Long My district very early, typically at Po Thi Vong Sa pagoda, Xa Phien commune.
As a unique cultural feature of the Khmer people, Aday singing is performed at community festivals and family ceremonies to unite members. This is a folk performing art form with the form of singing and responding between men and women, expressing a variety of themes in life. The lyrics are sometimes familiar metaphors, affectionate greetings, and also have a mystical character, expressing the beliefs of the Khmer people through prayers for a peaceful, prosperous and happy life. Aday singing and responding is combined with dances, dancing and singing or can be disguised with masks.
Aday singing is included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage. Photo: Internet
With the aim of not letting Aday singing gradually fade away and disappear from Khmer festivals, Hau Giang province has built a project "Teaching and preserving the art of Aday singing of Khmer ethnic people in the Southern region of Hau Giang province, period 2016 - 2020".
The province has preserved and promoted the unique art form of the nation in many forms such as organizing competitions, performances, opening classes for Khmer students, improving the quality of the club system, making documentaries, and developing programs to show and perform for the people.
Aday singing was introduced to Hau Giang province along with the land reclamation of the Khmer people. Photo: Internet
Ms. Ho Thu Anh, Vice Chairwoman of Hau Giang Provincial People's Committee shared that the province has had many policies to support, preserve, maintain and promote cultural values, improving the spiritual life of ethnic minorities. With the Aday singing art form, Hau Giang will continue to promote it, aiming to bring this art form back closer to the lives of Khmer people in many diverse and rich forms.
