The “Cham do ho” Dance of the Tho
After a year of hard work, the Tho ethnic people in the northcentral province of Thanh Hoa gather together for their traditional “Cham do ho” ritual, praying for a new year of good weather, bumper crops, and prosperity.
The “Cham do ho” ritual is held every spring, when the Tho put aside their farming and get together to pray for a new year of prosperity. This is also an opportunity for Tho couples meet and sing folk songs.
During the spring festival, the Tho often enjoy drinking outside in the refreshing air and lively ambiance, and when they get tipsy, they perform the "Cham do ho" dance. This dance involves dividing into two groups and responding to each other.
The performance starts with songs about daily life with slow and funny tunes, and gradually transitions to people’s heartfelt talks to the land and sky. As the rhythm of the drums and gongs picks up the pace, the lyrics shift to romantic love songs between couples.
This courtship singing has brought together numerous young Tho couples, leading to many marriages being formed through the "Cham do ho" dance.
When singing “Cham do ho,” the Tho dance along to the lyrics. The lullaby and rice planting dance have long been closely associated with this folk song.
The beauty of the Tho’s distinctive spring festival folk customs such as folk songs, folk dances, performances, games, and musical instruments are being preserved by the people and contribute to creating a unique and colorful cultural picture of Thanh Hoa.
By Viet Cuong/VNP Translated by Hong Hanh