1. A brief overview of Hat Dam Quyen Son
Hat Dam Quyen Son originated in the 11th century during the Ly dynasty, closely associated with the legend of Grand Tutor Ly Thuong Kiet. According to records from veteran artisans, when preparing to lead troops to fight Champa in 1069, Ly Thuong Kiet stopped at Cun Son mountain to hold a ceremony to pray for peace. After returning victorious, he held a victory celebration feast in this very land, forming the custom of singing and dancing to worship the gods, known as Hat Dam .
The outstanding feature that creates its unique value of Hat Dam Quyen Son is its exclusive nature, appearing only in Quyen Son village, Ly Thuong Kiet ward, Ninh Binh province, with no other place in the Northern Delta region having a similar form. This form of community singing and dancing has been recognized by the State as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming its great value in the treasure trove of Vietnam's traditional art.
Quyen Son Dam Singing is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. (Source: hanamtourism.vn)
2. Origin and spread of Quyen Son Dam Singing
2.1. Originating from the legend of Ly Thuong Kiet
The heroic chapters of the nation's history always inspire traditional melodies, Quyen Son Dam Singing is no exception. In 1069, on his campaign against Champa, Grand Tutor Ly Thuong Kiet chose Cuon Son mountain as a stop to perform rituals praying for divine protection.
In this setting, the renowned general commanded the solemn ritual, entrusting his desire for victory and peace to the soldiers. After achieving victory, he returned to Cuon Son mountain to host a feast for his troops, inviting local residents to join in singing and dancing to celebrate the triumph and express gratitude for the nation's defense.
From that event, Dam Singing became a distinctive form of worship art, reflecting patriotism and prayers for peace and prosperity for the homeland. The villagers of Quyen Son honored Ly Thuong Kiet as their tutelary deity, built Truc Temple to worship him, and preserved the tradition of Dam Singing through generations.
2.2. Development and changes through periods
Throughout historical milestones, Quyen Son Dam Singing has faced numerous changes. During the feudal era, the preservation of this art form was very strict: only young women with beautiful voices and graceful figures were selected for the singing troupes. They had to memorize over 30 different melodies, master dance movements, and understand the meaning of each song.
When the country went through periods of war, the teaching of Dam Singing was interrupted, and many elderly artisans could not pass on all the folk heritage. However, later, thanks to the diligent efforts of dedicated elders, this art form was restored and gradually developed steadily.
The renovation period paved the way for Dam Singing to reach a wider audience. Besides preservation, artisans also actively introduced this traditional art form to major cultural events, festivals, and international exchange programs, helping Quyen Son Dam Singing gradually become known beyond its rural origins.
Hat Dam Quyen Son is increasingly being spread and known more widely. (Source: hanamtourism.vn)
2.3. New milestones in the preservation journey (2025)
Entering 2025, the work of preserving and promoting the value of Hat Dam Quyen Son has achieved many important accomplishments. Provincial authorities and cultural agencies have coordinated to implement large-scale projects for preservation, restoration, and infrastructure investment, creating favorable conditions for the teaching, practice, and performance of Hat Dam in a more systematic and professional direction. This is a practical step to ensure this form of folk art is not only preserved in the spiritual life of the people but also has the opportunity to develop strongly in the new era.
A notable point in that cultural dissemination journey is that Hat Dam Quyen Son has been introduced in many countries around the world, from Asia to Europe. International performances and art exchanges have become a bridge helping friends from five continents understand more about Vietnam's cultural identity, about the unique folk rhythms associated with the rural life of the Northern Red River Delta. Bringing Hat Dam to the world not only contributes to affirming the value of traditional art but also enhances Vietnam's cultural standing on the international stage.
Right in its homeland, Quyen Son, the work of preservation and teaching the younger generation is also given special attention. Many Hat Dam classes and clubs are opened regularly, attracting a large number of students, university students, and art lovers to participate. Elderly artisans are still diligently passing down their craft, ensuring that each melody and rhythm is not lost over time.
Notably, the annual Den Truc Festival becomes an artistic exchange rendezvous, where Hat Dam Quyen Son resonates amidst the sacred festival atmosphere, allowing people and tourists to fully experience the simple, profound beauty of Vietnamese folk art.
3. Artistic characteristics of Hat Dam Quyen Son
3.1. Performance format, number of performers, and props
The beauty of Hat Dam Quyen Son is clearly expressed through a choral style with the participation of a group of 16 to 20 young women. These young women with clear voices and graceful demeanor create vibrant artistic performances. Singing can be in a choral or call-and-response format, suitable for the content and meaning of each song.
The main prop is the sanh tien, a traditional musical instrument that helps keep the rhythm and provides a backdrop for dance movements. The sound of the sanh tien rings out, creating the unforgettable, unique resonance of Hat Dam . Additionally, performers use colorful paper fans in coordination, expressing the lively expressiveness of the performance.
The performance costumes bear traditional imprints with long dresses in brown, white, and blue tones, accompanied by peach-colored bodices, floral belts, and elegantly wrapped khan mo qua (crow-beak scarves), evoking the beauty of women from the old Ha Nam region. The person in charge of teaching usually wears a yellow or red shirt, holding a bamboo sanh tien to guide the basic movements for the young performers.
3.2. Prominent melodies and performance structure
The repertoire of Hat Dam Quyen Son comprises nearly 40 official melodies, of which about 30 melodies have been fully collected and preserved by artisans. Each melody explores a distinct theme, reflecting the spiritual world and profound social aspects.
Each Hat Dam tune reflects a deep spiritual and social world. (Source: hanamtourism.vn)
The melodies of Hat Dam Quyen Son carry strong folk characteristics, fully expressing the rich spiritual life of the people in the Ha Nam region. Songs praising deities are usually sung first in every festival, with a solemn melody, slow rhythm, and a reverent atmosphere, showing respect for ancestors and heroes who contributed to the country. After the ritual part, melodies praising the homeland, the country's scenery, labor, and patriotism follow, with a bright tone, full of emotion, reflecting pride in the people and the land here.
Besides, the Hat Dam songs about romantic love, family, and filial piety create an intimate, gentle, and warm atmosphere, helping listeners feel the humanism and sophistication in the Vietnamese soul. The diversity of themes has made Hat Dam Quyen Son not just an art performance but also a vivid picture of the life, soul, and traditional ethics of the residents in the Northern Delta region.
An outstanding characteristic that gives Hat Dam its vitality is that the lyrics are often based on traditional folk verses and proverbs, created and fully developed through each performance. The forms of call-and-response singing, duet singing, and linking verses singing among artisans create a flexible interplay, captivating the audience, while also demonstrating improvisational talent, recitation ability, and refined folk wisdom.
It is this fusion of intellect, emotion, and performance art that has helped Hat Dam Quyen Son become a living cultural heritage, containing both the national spirit and irreplaceable traditional beauty in the treasure trove of Vietnamese music.
4. Festivals and beliefs associated with Hat Dam Quyen Son
4.1. Major festivals: time, rituals, and location
The Den Truc Festival is considered the most important and largest event of the year, a time for tourists and locals to fully enjoy the beauty of Hat Dam Quyen Son in a sacred and solemn space. The festival is usually held from the 1st to the 10th day of the second lunar month annually, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over. This is not only a religious activity commemorating the merits of the hero Ly Thuong Kiet, but also an occasion to honor the unique traditional cultural heritage of the Ha Nam region.
Hat Dam Quyen Son is often organized during the Den Truc festival. (Source: Collected)
The opening ceremony takes place in a solemn atmosphere with rituals of incense offering, palanquin procession, and worship of Ly Thuong Kiet, showing sincere respect and gratitude towards the national hero. Immediately after is the lively festival part, where Hat Dam Quyen Son resounds within the space of Den Truc temple.
The singing blends with the sound of drums and wooden clappers, interspersed with folk games such as tug-of-war, wrestling, and swing-riding, creating a vibrant festival scene that is both sacred and familiar. Visitors coming here not only pay homage and offer incense but also immerse themselves in folk cultural life, feeling the characteristic festival spirit of the Northern region.
Not only at Den Truc temple, Hat Dam Quyen Son is also present in the Quyen Son communal house festival. On this occasion, people gather to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and a prosperous and happy life. Hat Dam performances at the communal house yard take place in an intimate and friendly atmosphere, allowing everyone to join in singing, clapping rhythms, and share the joy of the village festival.
It is these occasions that have helped Hat Dam Quyen Son not only be preserved but also remain vibrant in modern life, becoming a source of pride and a spiritual cultural symbol for the people of Ha Nam.
4.2. Hat Dam Quyen Son in the festival space and spiritual activities
In the sacred space of Den Truc temple, Hat Dam Quyen Son is an indispensable part of spiritual rituals. The melody's resonance blends with the incense smoke, creating a very characteristic sacred atmosphere.
Activities praying for peace and good harvests are closely associated with the Hat Dam performances. People and visitors enjoy the art while participating in meaningful rituals, entrusting their hopes for good harvests and peaceful families. The lyrics in Hat Dam are mostly wishes for peace, prosperity, and harmony for the community.
Besides, many traditional games such as tug-of-war and swing-riding are also organized during the festival. The sound of Hat Dam echoes in the space, creating a sense of community cohesion. Notably, only original members of Quyen Son village are allowed to perform Hat Dam in important rituals, allowing this art form to retain its unique authenticity and sacred meaning.
5. The most ideal journey to discover Hat Dam Quyen Son in Ha Nam in 2025
5.1. Timing and how to attend events and festivals
The most ideal time to fully appreciate the value of Hat Dam Quyen Son is during the Den Truc festival season, which takes place from the 1st to the 10th day of the second lunar month annually. This is when Hat Dam is performed most frequently and at its best, as veteran artisans and the younger generation gather to present the audience with the most outstanding performances. Amidst the resounding drums and clappers in the sacred space of the temple, listeners can deeply feel the humanitarian spirit, love for the homeland, and national pride hidden within each lyric and melody.
Den Truc temple is only about 60 km from the Hanoi center, making it a convenient destination for any journey. Visitors can choose a private car, bus, or a day tour, with a travel time of just over an hour. To follow the specific Hat Dam performance schedule, visitors should contact the festival organizing committee or local authorities in advance, as performances are often arranged according to specific time slots and rituals during the festival.
When attending the festival, visitors should show respect for the local cultural space, maintain a solemn attitude during the ceremony, and gently join in the festivities. Participating in folk games, enjoying Ha Nam's specialty cuisine, and chatting with the locals will help you better understand the origin, value, and vitality of Hat Dam Quyen Son.
Especially, meeting elderly artisans and listening to them share stories about their long-standing connection with this art form is a valuable experience, helping visitors feel the deep spiritual meaning and enduring traditional beauty that Hat Dam brings to Vietnamese cultural life.
5.2. Notes and tips for fully enjoying the cultural experience
Choosing appropriate attire will help visitors easily blend into the Hat Dam Quyen Son festival. Ao dai or attire in polite, subtle colors will show respect for the traditional art space. It is advisable to avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or overly tight clothing when attending rituals at temples and communal houses.
Behaving gently, discreetly, and showing respect in every moment will lead to a complete experience. When watching Hat Dam, choose an appropriate spot, maintain order, avoid pushing or making noise. It is especially important to note that photography and videography are not allowed in worship areas without permission.
If you wish to capture moments of Hat Dam, ask for permission from the artisans or organizers before recording. Many artisans are willing to guide, teach more about the meaning, and even show guests a few basic movements as a valuable hands-on experience to deeply understand the spirit and techniques of traditional art.
5.3. Suggestions for combining visits to tourist attractions and the Sun World Ha Nam ecosystem
Besides the heritage-rich experience of Hat Dam Quyen Son, your journey to Ha Nam will become richer and more complete if you combine it with visits to other prominent destinations in this land. After visiting Den Truc temple, visitors can explore Kim Bang ancient town, which preserves traces of an old countryside with old houses, communal houses, stone wells, and historical stories characteristic of the Northern delta region.
If you love nature, Cam Mountain is an unmissable destination. From the mountaintop, visitors can take in the panoramic view of Ha Nam with its vast fields, the winding Day River, and characteristic limestone mountains. The fresh air, clouds, and wind blend together, creating a sense of peace, making it an ideal place to rest, reflect, and enjoy tranquility after immersing yourself in the festival atmosphere.
To conclude your trip, visit the Sun World Ha Nam park, the most modern entertainment complex in the North. It offers vibrant and youthful experiences with game zones, a water park, and attractive check-in spots, suitable for both families and groups of friends.
Combining entertainment and fun at Sun World Ha Nam. (Source: Collected)
The sustainable value of Quyển Sơn Dậm Folk Singing is not only shown in its unique melodies but also in its message of love for the homeland, gratitude to ancestors, and awareness of heritage preservation. Each visitor, when immersing themselves in Dậm Singing, also becomes a bridge to share and spread that beautiful spirit to the wider community.
Quyển Sơn Dậm Folk Singing has transcended village boundaries, becoming a source of pride for national culture. Come to Ha Nam in 2025 to preserve and spread these precious heritage values to future generations!
