UNESCO Recognizes Vietnam’s Xoan Singing

UNESCO voted to recognize Xoan singing in Vietnam’s Phu Tho Province as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Protection at the 6th meeting of UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bali on 23 November.

Xoan singing, a vocal art of villages in Phu Tho, is usually performed in front of the communal house during springtime village festivals.

Researchers say historical and archaeological records show Xoan singing first appeared when the Hung kings established the nation.

Xoan singing has some similarities with lullabies, and many of the songs are about love, but it is also a type of folk music that praises a village spirit.

There are many forms including a duet and group singing accompanied by several kinds of dances.

Xoan festivals are often held in spring in village temples. On the fifth day of the first lunar month, these traditional songs are performed during the Hung Temple Festival.

The profile of Xoan singing of Vietnam is highly appreciated by UNESCO because it meets important demands and criteria, such as cultural value, a sense of community in creativity, and the handing down of a tradition from generation to generation.

Vietnam has 16 world heritage attractions recognized by UNESCO.

Source: Vietnam Tourism Information

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