Then singing becomes an intangible cultural heritage
- Efforts needed to preserve folk art of Then singing
- Lang Son establishes clubs to preserve Then singing
- Nearly 500 artisans to participate in Then singing festival
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The Then practice of the Tay, Nung, Thai ethnic groups appears mostly in the Northeast provinces of Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, and Northwest provinces of Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, and some other localities in Vietnam.
This is an indispensable ritual practice in the spiritual life of the Tay, Nung and Thai people in Vietnam, reflecting the conception of ethnic groups about the people, the natural world and the universe.
According to the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Then practice shows solidarity among ethnic groups. It also helps raise people’s awareness of the importance of ethnic groups’ heritage.
The UNESCO recognition of the Then singing affirms the rich cultural identity of Vietnam and reinforces solidarity among Vietnamese ethnic communities.
It also promotes respect for cultural diversity, and encourages dialogues between individuals, communities and ethnic groups for tolerance, love and charity, in accordance with the 2003 Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
