Folk tales in Quang Binh reflect the province’s courage, wisdom, and deep respect for ancestors. These stories often blend myth, history, and moral teaching.
1. The Story of Me Suot
A beloved legend turned real-life hero, Me Suot was a humble boatwoman from Dong Hoi who braved bombs to ferry soldiers and supplies across the Nhat Le River during wartime. Her story lives on in statues, schoolbooks, and, most importantly, in the people’s memory.
2. Village Legends and Moral Tales
– Stories about the origins of Quy Hau’s conical hats or Tan An’s rice paper
– Legends of sacred wells or ancestral trees protecting villages
– Tales teaching compassion, loyalty, and wisdom — often told to children before bed
These stories are passed down like heirlooms, shaped by time but never forgotten.
Where to Experience These Traditions Today
To truly hear the voice of Quang Binh, you need to go beyond tourist routes:
– Home of ho khoan, with festivals and clubs dedicated to the genre.
– Fishing villages like Bao Ninh or Canh Duong: where morning nets and evening songs still go hand-in-hand.
– Craft villages during Tet or harvest season: where elders gather and stories flow naturally between tea cups and laughter.
– Community cultural centers: occasional performances supported by local governments or NGOs to preserve folk traditions.
Preserving the Intangible Heritage
As modern life shifts away from village routines, the future of Quang Binh’s folk culture depends on intentional preservation:
– Education: Some schools have integrated ho khoan into their music curriculum.
– Cultural tourism: Small programs invite travelers to experience live performances, storytelling nights, or even learn a few lines of folk song.
– Digital archiving: Efforts are underway to record and document these traditions before they fade with age.
– Community clubs: Run by elders, these groups teach songs and stories to younger generations.
Conclusion
Folk songs and stories are not just entertainment — they are the emotional history of Quang Binh’s people. Through each lyric and legend, you hear the pride of fishermen, the devotion of mothers, the wisdom of elders, and the love of the land.
To walk through Quang Binh’s villages is to walk with their voices — past and present, humming gently in the breeze.
