Impulsions for Invention of Tradition in Vietnam: Case of Ném Thượng Village Festival in Bắc Ninh Province

Abstract

Tradition is built upon a compromise of the various impulsions in modern society. Through the case of Ném Thượng Village Festival, the article shows how these impulsions affect traditional festivals. While impulsions can drive the transformation of traditional festivals, the spirit and subject of the festival still play a decisive role in this practice. The community accepts these adjustments but its spiritual requirements also need to be satisfied. Therefore, traditions can be changed and reinvented based on compromises of many parties and in modern society there are more impulsions than just the relationship between the state and the people.