Unicorn-lion-dragon dance features unique cultural traits of Binh Duong
Every spring, everywhere is filled with flowers, laughter and of course, lion dance troupes with their lively Lunar New Year dances. This is not only a traditional cultural feature deeply engraved in the hearts of the people of Thu Dau Mot, but also a symbol of luck, prosperity and happiness that every family and every community looks forward to in the first days of spring.
People watch the Unicornn, Unicorn-lion-dragon performance at Bach Dang walking street in Thu Dau Mot city
Identity
The name "Cu Dance" - the unique name of Binh Duong people for this art form - has become a unique mark, imbued with local cultural identity.
According to Eastern beliefs, Unicornns, Lions, and Dragons are mascots that bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, and invite wealth and prosperity. Every time we hear the pounding drums, every time we see the lions and unicorns dancing, we feel a new spring full of vitality, a new year full of promise is opening up.
Unicorn-lion-dragon dance troupes are not just performers, they are also workers and athletes who work hard. It is not easy to become a lion and dragon performer, especially in long-standing troupes, with techniques and dances passed down through generations.
In Vietnam, especially in Binh Duong, this art has gradually become an international competition, having influence not only within the country but also beyond the border. Lion dance in Binh Duong has its own unique features, a combination of the quintessence of folk culture of the regions and the creativity and ingenuity of the succeeding generations.
When mentioning the long-standing lion and dragon dance troupes in Binh Duong, it is impossible not to mention Chan Nghia Unicorn-lion-dragon Dance Troupe. The troupe was founded before 1975 by Mr. Cam Thich Duc. Since 1985, although Mr. Duc passed away, the next generations have continued to maintain and develop this art.
Thanh An Unicorn-lion-dragon Dance Troupe, with more than 50 years of establishment, has become one of the strong troupes in Binh Duong. The troupe is well-organized, large-scale and elaborately staged. Receiving us while he was busy with orders to make lion heads for other troupes, Mr. Nguyen Minh Duc (manager of Thanh An Unicorn-lion-dragon Dance Troupe, Thu Dau Mot City), said that Thanh An Dojo was named after Ong Ngua Pagoda - Thanh An Tu, founded by Mr. Le Van Lang (Tu Lang) as the troupe leader in 1973. Up to now, the number of troupe members is quite large, but there are about 20 members participating in the performance.
Gia Thang Unicorn-lion-dragon Dance Troupe performs at the 2024 Binh Duong Unicorn-lion-dragon Dance Festival
Spring signal
In Binh Duong, the spring atmosphere is filled with the sound of lion and dragon drums, signaling the approaching festival season. Whether it is the last day of the year or the full moon of January, people always eagerly wait for the lion and dragon troupes to perform, showing off their skillful skills, bringing good luck and warding off bad luck. In fact, in the tradition of the people, if there is no lion and dragon on Tet holiday, it is as if Tet is not complete.
To create the dragon soul One of the important rituals to create soul for the lion and dragon is the "opening the eyes" ritual. Mr. Nguyen Minh Duc, manager of Thanh An Unicorn-lion-dragon Dance Troupe, Thu Dau Mot City, said that it is a sacred ritual. In it, the artists choose a good day and a good time to perform the opening ceremony to make the eyes of the lions and unicorns shine brightly. "When the eyes of the lions and unicorns are opened, they will officially have "spirituality" and can perform sublime dance steps, bringing luck to everyone," said Mr. Duc. |
Mr. Luu Gia Thang, one of the long-time followers of lion dance in Binh Duong, shared that he has seen great changes in this art form. “The form and performance techniques are constantly changing over time, but the traditional values are not lost,” said Mr. Thang.
According to Mr. Luu Gia Thang, his grandfather brought this art to Binh Duong. Up to now, the third generation of his family continues the mission of preserving and developing this art. Gia Thang Dojo Group, founded by him in 1995, has become one of the prominent lion and dragon dance groups in Binh Duong, with about 30 members.
Lion dance, whether called “Cu Dance” in Binh Duong or by other names in other localities, always bears the mark of the local people. It is a harmonious combination of local art and culture, of the joy of Tet and respect for ancestors. Lion dance is not only a symbol of luck, but also an indispensable part of festivals, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of the community.
For the people of Binh Duong, every spring, when the lion dance troupes step onto the streets, the whole community feels the revival of heaven and earth, the warmth of love and the connection in traditional rituals.
Lions and dragons are not just legendary creatures, but the spirits of spring; to the people, these mascots bring a new year full of luck, health and happiness.
Explanation of the name "Cu Dance" in Binh Duong According to writer Vo Ky Dien (born October 30, 1941 in Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, grew up and taught in Binh Duong), today, people can no longer know exactly whether the people of Thu Dau Mot in the past really called "Cu" instead of "Lan" because of the taboo of Lan (which is a sacred name of an official). According to historical documents, Mr. Tran Van Lan was one of the richest people in the old Thu land, and Mr. Tran Van Ho's father was a governor, a fairly high-ranking official at that time. However, using the name of a legendary animal of the South, which has many similar characteristics to the Chinese unicorn, to replace it is also a smart and reasonable choice, reflecting the general tendency of the Vietnamese people to Vietnamize foreign imports. Perhaps because of this reasonableness, "Mua Cu" was easily accepted by the majority and became the typical name of the people of Thu Dau Mot from that time until now. |
Reported by Thuc Van – Translated by Vi Bao
