Musical instruments
The Dara-Ang tribe
use musical instruments for many different purposes, such as
entertainment after the people are tired from work, dedications to holy
things or god, or as a symbol. The extensive list of musical instruments
of the Dara-Ang tribe may divide into four kinds: those that are
played, beaten, blown and knocked.
The Dara-Ang tribe
has created their musical instruments with many reasons but the most
important reason is based on their beliefs in the supernatural. The
Dara-Ang see playing music as a dedication to the gods and use music
during festivals and even when they work. However it is now rare to see
the traditional instruments of the Dara-Ang tribe. They have almost
disappeared because there is a lack of people with the skills to make
the instruments, and the new generation has not inherited the knowledge
about the musical instruments of their tribe. The Dara-Ang instruments
that still remain are:
- Flute, called “Hwor” by Dara-Ang
- Indian Lute, called “Ding” by Dara-Ang
- Drum, called “Grueng” by Dara-Ang
- Gong, called “U-Mong” by Dara-Ang
- Cymbals, called “Chae”by Dara-Ang
- Indian Lute, called “Ding” by Dara-Ang
- Drum, called “Grueng” by Dara-Ang
- Gong, called “U-Mong” by Dara-Ang
- Cymbals, called “Chae”by Dara-Ang
The Dara-Ang have
other interesting forms of entertainment apart from musical instruments.
The most commonly seen amusement is a dance called “Ngang Royhuen” in
Dara-Ang language. This form of entertainment has been modified from the
Shan dance which features couples dancing in a circle. Another is the
sword dance called “Ga-Yer” in Dara-Ang language.
During courtship, music often plays a part in communication. For example, when the days work is done, the man may use the Hwor (Flute), String Instruments or Ding (the three vina lute) as a signal to the young woman to meet. When the woman hears the sound, she will wait for the man outside her house. It is popular to play the “Hwor” at nighttime, when the people have free time after work. In Dara-Ang custom, those who are not yet married can court with anyone else, and often more than one young man will court the same young woman. The young men often play the instrument outside the woman's house and wait for the woman's parents goes to bed, at which time he stops playing and enters the house.
During courtship, music often plays a part in communication. For example, when the days work is done, the man may use the Hwor (Flute), String Instruments or Ding (the three vina lute) as a signal to the young woman to meet. When the woman hears the sound, she will wait for the man outside her house. It is popular to play the “Hwor” at nighttime, when the people have free time after work. In Dara-Ang custom, those who are not yet married can court with anyone else, and often more than one young man will court the same young woman. The young men often play the instrument outside the woman's house and wait for the woman's parents goes to bed, at which time he stops playing and enters the house.
There are many
musical instruments of Dara-Ang tribe that are used in ceremonies or
festival times such as the drum or “Grueng”, “U-Mong” (gong) and “Chae”
(cymbals). Each community must have at least three instruments. “Grueng”
in Dara-Ang language is a religious ceremony where people earn merit.
The three instruments mentioned are played in religious ceremonies such
as Buddhist Lent, end of Buddhist lent and the offering of robes to
Buddhist priests at the monastery. However they cannot play these
particular instruments at a wedding, cremation or for entertainment, as
they are reserved for religious ceremonies.
Music and dancing are often used together. The “Nang-Roynguen” dance is an important part of entertainment, ceremonies and is shown to visitors. These days the dance has been adapted to a more modern form which appeals more to the tourist market. Another dance is the sword dance which shows the art of self protection and displays much skill. The sword dance is taught by a teacher in the community. The dance must be learned in the forest, isolated from other people. A ceremony is performed before the student begins to study the new skill. The Dara-Ang people don't train in places with a lot of people because they believe that if people watch while they are training the magical power of the dance they are learning will disappear. They undertake intensive training for about one week in the forest. The format of the sword dance is as follows:
1) Hand
2) Truncheon
3) Sword dance
Music and dancing are often used together. The “Nang-Roynguen” dance is an important part of entertainment, ceremonies and is shown to visitors. These days the dance has been adapted to a more modern form which appeals more to the tourist market. Another dance is the sword dance which shows the art of self protection and displays much skill. The sword dance is taught by a teacher in the community. The dance must be learned in the forest, isolated from other people. A ceremony is performed before the student begins to study the new skill. The Dara-Ang people don't train in places with a lot of people because they believe that if people watch while they are training the magical power of the dance they are learning will disappear. They undertake intensive training for about one week in the forest. The format of the sword dance is as follows:
1) Hand
2) Truncheon
3) Sword dance
The sword dance can
be learned throughout all three seasons. Festival time is a chance for
students who have completed their training to show the skills they have
learned so that people can see. The teacher must check if the student is
true to the dance he has studied. The Dara-Ang believe that the sword
dance is a technique of self protection passed down through generations.
The main point of this dance is not to win, but to protect oneself.
Apart from “Nang-Roynguen”, the sword dance, the Dara-Ang have other dances without fixed steps. These are for amusement and relaxation. In Dara-Ang tradition, unmarried women can freely choose their spouses without their parents input. However, they must use traditional rules in making their decision.
Tea is the symbol of the end of youth because tea is an important part of the engagement ceremony, promising the community that the status of the man and woman will change. Therefore tea symbolizes marriage and adult life. The courting couple often meets many times to talk amorously and play musical instruments together.
http://daraang.hilltribe.org
Apart from “Nang-Roynguen”, the sword dance, the Dara-Ang have other dances without fixed steps. These are for amusement and relaxation. In Dara-Ang tradition, unmarried women can freely choose their spouses without their parents input. However, they must use traditional rules in making their decision.
Tea is the symbol of the end of youth because tea is an important part of the engagement ceremony, promising the community that the status of the man and woman will change. Therefore tea symbolizes marriage and adult life. The courting couple often meets many times to talk amorously and play musical instruments together.
http://daraang.hilltribe.org
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