In the digital age and era of global integration, Vietnamese youth are not only embracing modern trends but also actively reconnecting with their roots, valuing history and national culture. Through various creative approaches, they are forging a strong bond with the past, enriching the diverse cultural landscape, and reflecting the nation's strong vitality and unique identity.

"EZ Sử" is a YouTube channel dedicated to compiling knowledge about Vietnamese history. With over 504,000 subscribers, the channel features videos designed using motion graphics, accompanied by well-crafted scripts, professional visuals, and a soothing yet engaging narration. Screenshot image.

Cultural Elements in Contemporary Creativity

Recently, the music video Bac Bling—performed by People's Artist Xuan Hinh, Hoa Minzy, and Tuan Cry—has become a sensation across digital platforms. It has not only captivated domestic audiences but also left a strong impression on international viewers. More than just a musical production, Bac Bling serves as a cultural voyage back in time, guiding viewers through heritage-rich destinations in Bac Ninh, such as Do Temple, Ba Chua Kho Temple, Dau Pagoda, the Quan ho Folk Opera House, and the Phu Lang pottery village. The MV paints a vivid portrait of Northern Vietnamese culture, featuring iconic elements like the renowned Dong Ho folk paintings (Vinh Quy Bai To, To Nu, Dam Cuoi Chuot), the traditional four-panel dress, crow-beak scarf, non quai thao hats, ceremonial homecoming rituals for scholars, betel leaves folded in a phoenix shape, and elderly women with blackened teeth—a nostalgic glimpse into the region’s timeless traditions.

The beauty of rustic village life comes to life vividly, with children playing in the communal house courtyard, intense Chinese chess matches, and the warmth of a pot of green tea. Particularly, the festive atmosphere of traditional celebrations—such as the Huu Chap wrestling festival, the tug-of-war competition, and the renowned Lim Festival—adds vibrant cultural hues, evoking a deep sense of pride in a homeland rich in heritage.

Director Nhu Dang, known for his successful artistic projects inspired by Vietnamese culture—such as An gi day, Anh oi o lai, and De Mi noi cho ma nghe—shares: “Vietnam is a country with a profound history and a wealth of cultural identity... These elements fill me with pride. For me, weaving everyday beauty and cultural stories into artistic creations is not just a passion but also a heartfelt aspiration to preserve and spread traditional values.”

However, incorporating folk elements into contemporary art presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, these cultural materials are familiar and accessible to audiences of all ages. On the other hand, their very familiarity can make them feel less novel in today’s dynamic creative landscape. Despite this, the young director and his team carefully balance entertainment value, modern aesthetics, and cultural authenticity. Their goal is to craft artistic works that are not only innovative but also preserve the essence of tradition at their core.

Spreading history in their own way

Beyond music, young Vietnamese are finding creative ways to share the nation’s history and cultural heritage across various fields. They are not just inheritors of tradition but also passionate storytellers, reinterpreting the past in a way that is both engaging and deeply relatable.

History is no longer confined to the pages of books—it is now vividly brought to life on digital platforms. A striking example is the video "A Quick Summary of Vietnam’s 4,000-Year History" by the YouTube channel EZ Sử, which has garnered an impressive 14.5 million views and over 188,000 likes. National heroes and historic victories are retold in an engaging way using motion graphics, with dynamic timelines seamlessly integrated into the video interface. This innovative approach makes history more accessible and captivating than ever before.

Vietnamese cultural heritage is not only thriving in digital content but also making its way into interactive entertaining games. The board game industry is being explored as a creative medium to convey national identity. Projects like Sac Viet, Rang Ro Viet Nam, and Ngu Hanh Games go beyond providing entertainment—they invite players to discover Vietnam’s rich cultural values through each question and challenge. These games spark curiosity and create opportunities for young people to deepen their understanding of their homeland and traditions in an engaging, hands-on way.

Another outstanding example of creativity in preserving and promoting national culture is the Weaving a Dynasty project by Vietnam Centre—a nonprofit cultural organization founded by Vietnamese students in Australia in 2017. This project vividly recreates the attire of the Le So Dynasty (1428–1527), showcasing the intricate beauty and the “soul of Vietnam” embedded in every garment. More than just a study of traditional fashion, the book serves as a cultural bridge, introducing Vietnamese attire to the world. Weaving a Dynasty has been included in the National Library of Australia and Harvard University Library, while its reconstructed Lê Sơ imperial costumes have been exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art in the United States and previously at the University of Sydney.

Young people are not only researching but also actively bringing traditional values into modern life through fashion brands and historical-inspired communities. These efforts have helped revive traditional attire, allowing younger generations not just to admire but to wear and experience the beauty of heritage in their everyday lives.

History and culture are not merely remnants of the past—they are an endless source of inspiration for today’s youth. With deep appreciation and relentless creativity, they are proving that preserving and promoting national culture is not just a duty of the past but a mission of the present—one carried out by those who live, contribute, and enrich their homeland.

Reporting by MOC KHUE – Translating by HONG VAN