VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has assigned the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies to host and cooperate with relevant agencies to compile a dossier on Chau van singing to seek UNESCO recognition as intangible cultural heritage.

The verses of songs in chau van focus on praising the merits of saints. (Photo: VNA)

According to the Government Portal, the ministry set up a steering committee to monitor the establishment of the dossier.

Chau van is a kind of spiritual singing accompanying the hau dong (mediumship) ritual of the Mother Goddesses religion. It's popular throughout the country, but Nam Dinh Province is considered its birthplace.

Established in 2008, the Intangible Cultural Heritage list comprises some 100 traditional events from around the globe and is designed to help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance.

To date, Vietnam has had 17 world-recognised heritage items. The first recognition was given to the Hue imperial relic complex in 1992. Ha Long Bay was twice listed as world heritage in 1994 and 2000. Hoi An ancient town and My Son sanctuary received the honor in 1999, followed by the Hue Royal Court music in 2003 and the Central Highlands gongs in 2005. Over the last five years, Hanoi’s royal citadel and the Ho Dynasty’s citadel won the world recognition.

Intangible cultural heritage namely Tru singing, Quan Ho folk singing, Giong festival, Xoan singing and the Worshipping rituals of the Hung Kings were also listed as world heritage. The Nguyen dynasty’s woodblocks, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda’s woodblocks and 82 steles of doctorate degree holders from 1442 to 1779 have been included.

Source: Vietnam Plus