The value of discovering, rescuing and protecting Hakka and Han music mainly has three points:

(1) Academic value Hakka and Han music has inherited and developed in the Central Plains of China for hundreds of years. The essence of the Han nationality's palace music and folk music in the area has absorbed and compatible with the traditional folk music of the Hakka area (such as Dabayin, Chinese military class music), and also absorbed some elements of Chao music (big gongs and drums), forming a A unique and complete music system with research value in the history of Chinese folk music.

(2) The value of folklore Hakka and Han music not only retains the "ancient charm of Zhongzhou", but is also rich in the characteristics of local folk customs. In particular, a considerable part of the music reflects the folk customs of the Han nationality in Dabu. It has high folklore value. For example, "spring strings", "summer strings", "autumn strings", "winter strings", "spring is coming", "summer is coming", "autumn is coming", "winter is coming", etc. that reflect the seasons; reflect the Han nationality There are traditional folk festivals such as "Lantern Festival" and "Spring Festival Song"; "Selling Groceries", "Selling Wine", "Selling Tofu", etc. that reflect Han folk snacks; some reflect Han folk weddings and funerals: such as "Selling Groceries", "Selling Wine", "Selling Tofu", etc. "Worship the Flower Hall", "Marry a Good Man", "Jade Beauty"; "Celebrating Reunion", "Congratulations on Peace" and "Buying Fine Wine" for other happy events; "Open the Door", "Fairy Blowing Drums", "The Fairy Drums" and other lively and festive scenes. "Welcome Immortal Guests" and "Beijing Palace"; funeral performances of "Chao Tianzi", "Weeping to the Emperor" and "Sorrowful Tears"; sacrificial music "Great Music" and "Farewell Song"; banquet music "Place the Wine", " "Drunk to Peace" and "Every Day High". In addition, there are dance music, divine music, etc.

(3) The value of religious studies Among the five major categories of Hakka and Han music, there is temple music, which is music performed by monks for religious rituals. According to research, temple music originated from the local Han folk music in Dabu. After blending with the "Zhongzhou ancient music" migrated from the south to become Hakka Han music, temple music and other types of music were retained. Although there are not many such pieces of music, they have a distinct religious flavor. Such as "Buddha Songs", "Five Watching Buddha", "Bo'an Mantra", "Hair Cutting", "Singing Taoist Love", "Ten Months Pregnancy", etc.

First, the social foundation on which Hakka and Han music depends for survival and development has changed. Some traditional Han customs are increasingly diluted, funerals are simplified, funeral forms have changed, and the main scope of activities of temple music and Chinese military troupe music in Hakka Han music has gradually narrowed. Traditional rural festivals are gradually fading away, and the number of performance venues for Han music in rural areas is decreasing day by day.

Secondly, due to the development and changes of the modern cultural entertainment industry and the diversification of entertainment forms, the number of people learning Chinese music performance is decreasing. In addition, the older generation of Han musicians have gradually withdrawn from the playing field due to their old age. Some have passed away one after another, and some unique skills are difficult to pass on. For example, important musicians such as Touxian, drummer, and percussion have no successors.

Thirdly, due to the sharp decline in activities of temple music in Hakka and Han music, there are fewer musicians who can play such music. In addition, the atmosphere is not consistent with the usual self-entertainment atmosphere of Han musicians. It is suitable, so there are only a few people who can play temple music, and it is on the verge of being lost.

Fourthly, the relevant county departments have failed to establish a relatively complete database of Han music, and most of the information is scattered in the hands of society and individuals. Due to the lack of data, the study of Han music lacks systematic data.

The Hakka people have a fine tradition of hard work and pioneering spirit. The people are simple and honest, advocating culture, education and art, which has become a custom. No matter which province or region in China their ancestral home is, the Hakka people have one thing in common, that is, they all cherish the traditional culture of the Chinese nation and the simple and elegant Han music. For example, Dabu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province is a place where Han music is particularly prosperous. As early as the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, the earliest county chronicle of Dabu County, Guangdong Province said: "Pu's Chaoxian chanting is comparable to Zou Lu's." Later county annals in various periods also praised the folk customs of Dabu with the words "Every household chants Huxian" (every household has the sound of reading and every household has chord strings). In the past 100 years or so, there have been nearly 100 xianguan (places for music societies to perform Han music) in Dabu County alone. Many towns and villages have "harmonized music" (playing Han music), playing eight tones, singing Chinese music, and performing. Han opera activities are very common, and this tradition has been continued. Han music has accompanied the Hakka ancestors for a long time. Today, Han music has become an indispensable part of life for the Hakka people. During leisure time, celebrations and festivals, you can hear the harmonious singing of silk pipes, string flutes and drums, and eight-note singing everywhere in Dabu County. The entertainment activities of the family entertainment club are even more frequent, and it’s great to entertain yourself and others! There are more than ten music clubs with a certain scale and reaching a relatively high level. The county also established a Han Music Research Association and built a Han Music Concert Hall.

This shows the popularity and prosperity of Han music. From the Qing Dynasty to the present, a large number of famous Han music masters have emerged in Dabu County, such as He Yuzhai, Rao Tuosheng, Rao Congju, Luo Jiuxiang, Luo Lian, Li Deli, Rao Ningxin, Luode Zai and so on.

In 2004, Dabu County was officially awarded the honorary title of "Hometown of Han Music" by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture.

Author: Dabu County Culture, Radio, Television, Press and Publication Bureau: Lai Qifang. Zhang Linghua.