HÀ NỘI — Scenes in the latest music video by singer Phạm Phương Thảo revive a traditional ceremony that dates back 600 years to welcome young men home who had successfully qualified to enter the royal court.

The video, entitled Chàng Vinh Quy, honours the country’s tradition of studying that has lasted since feudalism in the 15th century.

In the past, young men tested their literary skills to compete for a place in court, where they received royal proclamations and titles.

The top scholars became mandarins and rewarded with beautiful costumes and invited to attend a royal feast.

After a ceremony to honour their achievements at the imperial palace, they would return to their villages to pay tribute to the ancestors.

The scholar with the highest score was given the title Trạng Nguyên and was welcomed home by a parade of ceremonial music troupes and soldiers, bringing great pride and honour to his family and village.

Thảo started the project two years ago, and composed and performed the song with 200 supporting actors and actresses. The video gathered seven directors led by veteran director Khải Hưng, who is well-known for his TV series but had never shot a music video.

“People know about my films, but this time I decided to help Thảo make this video because I found the folk aspect interesting,” he said.

Thảo said she spent a lot of time and effort on the video after dreaming of working on a musical piece featuring traditional culture.

“With folk music, the songs are easy to feel and sympathise with,” she said.

Thảo officially released the video on Wednesday to celebrate 20 years working as a professional singer. — VNS