The image of a mother lulling her child to sleep became a symbol of the maternal love long time ago. The lullabies once nurtured the children’s soul. However, it’s a pity that they are gradually disappearing in Binh Dinh as well as other provinces.
1. “Some musicians and I studied the lullaby singing in many regions in Vietnam and realized that there are only two lullaby melodies in all regions but Binh Dinh where there are three. This could be considered as a distinctive feature of Binh Dinh lullabies,” said Prof. To Vu, former deputy head of Vietnam Music Institute.
 |
|
The 2nd Binh Dinh folk song and lullaby festival. Photo N.T |
Three lullaby melodies are clearly distinguished. The first one is to make a child stop crying, the second is to lull the child who is almost asleep, and the last one is to help him have a deep sleep. Binh Dinh lullaby melodies are similar to Cham folk music and sound sad.
Binh Dinh lullabies often begin and end with two words “hoi hoi”, which could be known as its “speciality”. Alongside this, the even tone is also repeated in the last sentence of each lullaby.
Why are Binh Dinh lullabies so distinctive?
Previously, Binh Dinh’s women only knew how to sing to make their children stop crying and fall asleep. Gradually, these words were repeated and became lullaby melodies. These were produced by women who live in Binh Dinh only. They, therefore, have distinctive features, meritorious artist Phan Ngan explained.
In the old days, the traveling among Central provinces was very difficult. These women, thus, had no chance to share their lullabies. Unlikely, the lullabies became very popular in Red River delta and Mekong River delta.
2. Many types of culture have been born in the past few years, partly affecting the lullaby singing in Binh Dinh. The second folk song and lullaby singing festival held recently could be considered as a positive sign for the revival of Binh Dinh lullabies.
However, such events themselves can’t make the lullaby singing come alive because they are only held once every year. We should, therefore, promote the lullaby singing in each locality after the festival was successfully held.
At first, young artists should have more conditions to learn from experienced artists. The second festival attracted a large number of young artists, but most of them were still inexperienced.
Comparing to lullabies, folk songs are now more popular partly because many folk songs competitions and festivals have been held frequently. Thus, if possible, such events should involve both folk songs and lullaby singing. Also, all localities should be encouraged to organize similar competitions. This is expected to bring lullabies close to all people, particularly the young.
Once lullaby melodies attract all and they have more chances to enjoy these melodies; Binh Dinh lullabies are expected to come alive at that time.
| 
