English
French
Spanish
Italian
Hue Singing (Ca Hue) is a unique cultural folk art in Hue. It is more than just a form of performance but contains special messages about culture, tradition, custom, and the feelings of the local people. Let’s explore this interesting traditional art form where history and art blend together with Asia King Travel!
Ca Hue on Huong River (Source: cahuetrensonghuong.com)
Hue Singing (Ca Hue) is a traditional music genre of Hue, Vietnam. It appeared and developed in the 19th century and is performed in festivals, cultural events, and traditional performances in Hue.
Hue Singing is usually performed by artists called "ca nhan" (a typical word used for singers, ‘ca’ means ‘singing’ and ‘nhan’ means the people), usually women. Those performers will present songs with attractive melodies and rich performing arts. The content of Ca Hue often focuses on the emotions, life, history, and culture of the Hue people.
Ca Hue is a Vietnamese Intangible Cultural Heritage (Source: Kham pha Hue)
Hue Singing was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2015 and is currently preparing a dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Read more: Discover the Magic of Quan Ho Folksongs: A Cultural Journey to Bac Ninh
Huong River is considered the symbol of Hue City, and performing Hue Singing on Huong River is an important part of Hue culture and tourism.
Those shows usually take place in the evening and bring about a unique experience of music and light effects. Singers will sit on boats and perform traditional Ca Hue songs. Audiences can enjoy the music while admiring the beautiful scenery of the Huong River and immersing themselves in the quiet and romantic atmosphere.
Tourists enjoy the performance (Source: Tadivui.com)
Hue Singing originated from Hue, an ancient city in central Vietnam. It developed during the Nguyen Dynasty, when Hue was the capital of Dai Nam (now Vietnam) from 1802 to 1945. Before becoming a specialized musical genre, Ca Hue originally appeared in court ceremonies and royal events. It was once an indispensable part of royal banquets and festivals. Ca Hue combines elements of Vietnamese culture and art, influenced by Chinese music and culture.
Ca Hue in the Nguyen Dynasty (Source: Du lich Dai Bang)
Over time, Hue Singing developed and spread throughout the Hue community. It was performed not only in royal events but also in festivals, weddings, and other occasions. Ca Hue became an important cultural symbol of Hue and has been preserved and developed to this day.
Ca Hue used to be performed in the evening in a windy space with a clear moon. This time had perfect silence to enjoy the beautiful, gentle music. Nowadays, when Ca Hue is widely performed on many sound systems of halls and stages, it is no longer necessary to be performed in the evening.
Ca Hue has characteristic melodies and rhythms. In Hue Singing, there are three main melodies: Bac, Nam, and Nam Xuan.
Artists singing Ca Hue have to meet strict requirements. They must pronounce the words clearly and roundly according to each locality of Binh Tri Thien. To sing fluently, singers must have over 10 years of singing experience. In addition, they must know how to coordinate with musical instruments from the introduction to the rhythm and the vibrato.
Ca Hue has several extremely difficult techniques, such as breath-taking, vibrato, or using the ancient voice, which can only be performed by professional artists. These techniques must be passed down orally and cannot be learned through books.
Artists perform Hue Singing (Source: Bao Lao dong)
Accompanying Hue Singing are familiar musical instruments such as Dan Tranh (16-string instrument), Dan Nhi (2-chord fiddle), the flute sets, etc.
The most commonly seen costume on Ca Hue Shows is Ao dai - Vietnamese traditional clothes. Designed to express traditional beauty and sophistication. The colors often used are bright colors such as red, yellow, blue, and pink, bringing brilliance and liveliness to the performance.
Ca Hue is an indispensable part of Hue culture, expressing the soul and unique identity of the ancient capital. It reflects the elegant, graceful, and calm character of the indigenous people and landscape. At the same time, Ca Hue is also a cultural symbol of Vietnam, contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional national musical values and helping to shape the unique identity of Vietnamese culture in the eyes of international tourists.
Hue Singing is the fusion of folk music and royal court music, demonstrating the continuity and development of these two musical genres. Through Hue folk songs, people can understand more about traditional cultural values associated with royal court rituals and ceremonies and, at the same time, feel the rustic, familiar quality in the lives of ordinary people.
Ca Hue connects folk and royal music (Source: Ca Hue song Huong)
Ca Hue plays an important role in preserving Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage. This art not only preserves the cultural values of the past but also acts as a bridge between generations, helping the younger generation understand and appreciate the nation's precious heritage.
Ca Hue is not only a cultural heritage but also an important tourism product of Hue. This helps domestic and foreign tourists have the opportunity to experience and understand more about the unique culture of Hue and Vietnam.
Hue Singing Night usually begins with Hue royal court music such as "Luu Thuy", "Kim Tien", "Xuan Phong", "Long Ho”, etc. Then there are folk songs such as Ly Muoi Thuong, Ly Giao Duyen, or spontaneous and graceful duet songs.
A show usually lasts 1 hour. At around 9 pm, the dragon boats on the Huong River take visitors back to shore with lingering feelings. Before leaving, visitors can also participate in the unique flower lantern release on the Huong River. This is a long-standing custom of the people of Hue, with the wish to pray for peace.
Flower Lantern Release on Huong River (Source: Bao Thanh nien)
With romantic music, sparkling lights, and ancient colors, Hue Singing on Huong River is not only a musical experience but also a spiritual journey, an opportunity for us to immerse ourselves in the lyrical beauty and find memories engraved in each person's heart. Contact Asia King Travel now to explore the mystery of Ca Hue!
Read more: Hue Tour 3 days: Journey into Vietnam's Historic Heartland
