Making profile on Xoan singing for recognition as intangible cultural heritage

The Prime Minister has agreed to assign the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on behalf of the Government, to submit Xoan singing to UNESCO to seek its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to cooperate with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to conduct necessary procedures relating to the submission before March 31st, 2016.

Xoan singing performance (Photo by Huu Chi)

Xoan singing is a type of performing art relating to worshipping gods. In the past, Van Lang people held Xoan singing performances in the spring to welcome the new year.

There are three forms of Xoan singing: the worship singing to commemorate Hung Kings and village guardian gods; the ritual singing to pray for good crops and good health; and the festive singing, a form of love duet.

Phu Tho provincial authorities decided to introduce Xoan singing to schools, by inviting local artisans to perform and pass down their skills to students. The children were also encouraged to study and watch videos about the history of Xoan singing, which is now on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent protection.

(Source: CPV)